The document provides information from a presentation by the District Attorney of Worcester County on drugs and alcohol. It discusses the opioid epidemic, sharing stories of real life addicts like athletes and musicians who struggled with substance abuse. It defines addiction as a disease and outlines the effects of various drugs like opioids, marijuana, and alcohol on the body and brain. Statistics on overdoses and drug-related crimes in Worcester County are presented, along with information on treatment options and the DA's Opiate Task Force efforts.

1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Office of District Attorney
Joseph D. Early Jr.
Drugs and Alcohol Presentation

2. District Attorney vs. Drugs & Alcohol
(DAvsDA)
Opiate Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MccDykVj
Iw
“I would much rather prevent a crime than have
to solve one” –District Attorney Joseph D. Early
Jr.

3. Real Life Addict: Josh Hamilton
• Josh Hamilton, a Texas Ranger
Outfielder was in the 3rd year of a
five-year, $125 million deal with the
Angels when he first tried cocaine,
and began to struggle with addiction
and alcohol abuse.
• The Angels debated kicking
Hamilton off the team which would
have nearly destroyed his future as a
professional baseball player.
• He became a five-time all-star with
the Texas Rangers from 2008-2012,
but continues to fight with addiction.

4. Real Life Addict: Roman Montano
• Roman Montano was a multi sport
athlete, planning to declare for the
2008 MLB draft
• After becoming addicted to
OxyContin prescription pills, his
entire athletic career was
destroyed.
• He switched from Oxycontin to
heroin and at age 22 his mother
found him deceased in his vehicle
with a syringe in his arm.

5. Real Life Addict: Amy
Winehouse
• Amy Winehouse, a London
based, grammy winning artist,
publicly battled with drug and
alcohol addiction throughout
her singing career.
• Despite trying to get help, she
continued struggling with
sobriety.
• In 2011, at only 27 years old,
Amy Winehouse passed away
from alcohol poisoning.

6. Real Life Addict: Whitney
Houston
• Whitney Houston was a beautiful
award winning actress and a grammy
winning singer, in addition to the
mother of a little girl.
• On February 11, 2012, Whitney was
found face down in her bathtub, and
pronounced dead at the scene.
• At the time of Whitney's death, 12
prescription medications, cocaine,
marijuana, and alcohol were all
found in her blood.

7. • From Durfee High school in Fall River, MA, to
Boston College, Chris Herren was an all star
basketball player.
• After getting involved in cocaine as a freshman at
BC, his life took a new turn.
• Repeated drug test failures resulted in his removal
from his dream college.
• Mr. Herren then went to Fresno State, CA, to
attempt a second shot at college, but continued to
struggle with drug abuse.
• The suffering remained even as he was drafted into
the NBA, playing for the Boston Celtics.
Real life addicts: Chris Herren

8. • His addiction shifted from
OxyContin, vicodin and
percocet to heroin and crystal
meth.
• After playing basketball
overseas, Mr. Herren returned
back to Fall River, MA and in
2004 overdosed on heroin and
was pronounced dead.
• Luckily paramedics were able
to bring him back but Chris
Herren’s life will
forever be changed.
• As of 2011, Mr. Herren had
seven drug related felonies on
his record.

9. What Is Addiction?
A disease of the brain affecting three main parts:
the brainstem, the limbic system, and the
cerebral cortex.

10. Addiction of the Brain
Drug addiction affects the
“reward circuit” by
releasing an overload of
dopamine (pleasure) in
the brain. Repeated
behavior of such euphoria
kills neurons, making it
impossible to feel such
pleasure again without the
drug. This is when drug
use changes to drug
addiction.

11. Addiction in Massachusetts
• Two people in Massachusetts die of overdose
EVERY DAY
• Currently, more people die from overdose than car
accidents across the country
• Total number of addicted MA residents = 200,000
• In the last decade, 6,600 MA residents have died of
overdose
• Between 2002 and 2007, 78 MA residents died
serving in the Middle East

12. Myths About Addiction
1. “Good kids don’t do drugs,
bad kids do”
2. “People who get addicted are
weak and without morals”
3. “Addicts must hit rock bottom
before they can be treated”
4. “America’s drug problem is
unsolvable”

13. The Hidden Cost of Addiction
We are all affected by those addicted to drugs!
“Life restored to a neighborhood: priceless”
District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

14. It’s a Disease
Addiction is a disease and as a society we must
treat it as one, much like we do cancer or
diabetes. Together we can prevent drug abuse
and addiction!

15. It’s a Disease!
• Treatment typically takes 18-24 months
• Patients are initially seen 1 to 2 times a week
by a medical provider and a social
worker/counselor.
• Weaning someone off of opioids is a multi
step process.
• We wouldn’t treat heart disease or cancer
with one emergency room visit, so why are
we trying to treat addiction in that manner?

16. Categories of Drugs
1. Depressants Examples: Alcohol, cannabis,
benzodiazepines, inhalants, and opiates.
2. Hallucinogens Examples: LSD and ecstasy.
3. Stimulants Examples: Cocaine,
methamphetamines, speed, party pills,
caffeine.

17. Alcohol Use & Prevention
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results
in one or more of the following situations within
a 12 month period:
1) Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home
responsibilities.
2) Drinking situations that are physically
dangerous such as drinking and driving.

18. Alcohol Use & Young People
According to a Duke study:
• Alcohol free dorms showed an increase in
Admissions and Alumni contributions.
• Number of beds went from 30 to 70.
• In 2006, 50% of applicants applied to on-
campus housing.
• Community interested spiked.

19. Alcohol Use and Young People
• Before entering college 34%
of students had engaged in
“binge drinking” while 66%
had not
• Within the first year these
numbers reverse with 66% of
college students binge
drinking regularly and
only 34% do not.

20. America’s Obsession with
Alcohol● In 1988, 12% of songs created referred to alcohol and drugs,
compared to 30% in 2008.
● Approximately two thirds of prime-time fictional TV shows
depict alcohol with an average of 8 drinking acts per hour
● Reality TV glorifies dangerous drinking behavior (Keeping
Up with the Kardashians, Jersey Shore, etc.)
● We have been conditioned by advertisers to associate certain
things with alcohol- Sporting events, beach/ summer
Sporting Events The Beach/Summer

21. “Party right with Bud Light”

22. Binge Drinking
“The practice of consuming
large quantities of alcohol in
a single session, usually
defined as five or more
drinks at a time for men and
four or more drinks at one
time for women.”

23. Know Your Limit

24. Effects of Alcohol on the Body
• It takes one hour to metabolize
• It takes 30 minutes to feel effects of one drink
• Abusing alcohol can affect your:
- Brain - Pancreas
- Heart - Decision Making Skills
- Liver

25. Alcohol and the Brain
Eggs can be cooked in vodka due to the proteins
in the egg reacting to the chemicals of the
alcohol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHXllY32d4Q

26. 1) Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
2) Drinking alcohol to reduce thirst.
3) Drinking alcohol when you are under
stress, emotionally upset, or tired.
1) Not knowing when to stop.
2) Mixing alcohol with drugs or medications.
Signs of Dangerous Drinking

27. Problem Drinking Signs
• Frequent uncontrolled drinking episodes
• Driving while drunk
• Doing something under the influence of
alcohol that you would not otherwise do
• Lying about or trying to hide drinking habits
• Problems at school, with social relationships,
including family and friends
• Frequently “blacking out” when consuming
alcohol

28. Fatal Alcohol Related Accident
Anthony Barksdale II, 19 years old, March 1, 2013,
Boston University
• Anthony lost his life due to alcohol poisoning after a frat
party which school officials described as “an underage booze
bash.” The fraternity was suspended as result of the tragedy.

29. National Underage Drinking Statistics
• 4,300 deaths annually are caused by underage
drinking.
• More than 90% of alcohol consumed is
considered binge drinking.
• In 2010, there were 189,000 emergency room
visits for injuries related to underage drinking.
• 70% of young people have engaged in heavy
drinking by ages 19 or 20.

30. Criminal Statistics
● Teen Alcohol use kills 4,700 people each year.
That’s more than all illegal drug combined.
● Car crashes are the leading cause of death for
teens and about a quarter of those crashes are
involve an underage driver.
● Kids who start drinking young are seven times
more likely to be in an alcohol related crash.

31. Criminal Statistics Cont’d ….
● High school
students who use
alcohol or other
substances are five
times more likely
to drop out of
school.
● Almost 50% of all
10th graders drink
alcohol.

32. Comic Relief

33. Marijuana
In Worcester County, Marijuana is a major factor in
many dangerous home invasions
Marijuana is made up of two main components:
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabinol (CBD)

34. Effects of Marijuana
Short Term
• Sensory distortion
• Reduced reaction time
• Elevated heart rate
• Panic/anxiety
• Red eyes
• Poor coordination of
movement
Long Term
• Reduced memory
• Suppression of immune
system
• Growth disorders
• Personality and mood
change
• Destruction of lung fibers
• Lowers IQ
Marijuana is a gateway drug, it’s not just
once.

35. Marijuana Homicide
• Michelle Diaz, a 21 year old
nursing major at Worcester
State University, was murdered
in an armed robbery during a
marijuana sale.
• Donovan K. Smith, the 20 year
old shooter, was charged and
convicted of first degree
murder, sentenced to life in
prison without parole.

36. Home Invasion Gone Bad
• Noel Inoa and Jose Marrero- Rodriguez viciously attacked a man and two
women in their Worcester apartment in search of drugs and firearms in May
2012
• Javier Moldano was found beaten and dead from an apparent strangulation
• 18 year old mother Samantha Lester was found with a 10 inch knife in her
neck, barely alive
– Her baby was found crying in the street, abandoned
• Yannettee Rivera was found alive but in critical condition after being struck
in the skull with a dumbbell
• All 3 victims were found bound
• Jewelry, money, drugs, and firearms were stolen from the apartment by the
assailants

37. Opioids
Opioids are drugs with effects similar to
morphine, derived from opium components
in poppy plants.
• Examples: Vicodin, OxyContin,
Codeine, and Heroin.
• About 18-20 million people use
opiates recreationally.

38. Opioid Usage
Heroin is administered in three ways: smoking,
snorting, or shooting (injecting).
Because it enters the brain quickly, heroin is very
addictive. In fact, each time a user administers
heroin, more is needed to get the same high.

39. Effects of Opioids
Short Term
• Intense pleasure and strong
feelings of wellbeing
• Confusion
• Pain relief
• Constricted pupils
• Impaired coordination
• Decreased blood pressure
and heart rate
• Loss of concentration
Long Term
• Feelings of sadness or
depression
• Mental impairment
• Skin, heart, and lung
infections
• Collapsed veins
• Tetanus
• Risk of contracting HIV or
hepatitis

40. Side Effects of Opioid Use
• Opiate abusers will develop a tolerance, or the
need to use larger amount to obtain the same
effects.
• When opiate use is suddenly discontinued or
curtailed, withdrawal symptoms occur.

41. Withdrawal Effects
Opioid drugs are both physically and
psychologically addictive.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
• Craving the drug
• Restlessness
• Low blood pressure
• Stomach and muscle cramps
• Diarrhea and vomiting

42. Overdosing
• The purity of opioid drugs is
unpredictable.
• Having a break from opioid use
reduces tolerance.
• First time users are at risk of
overdose, as they do not know
what dosage their bodies can
manage.
There is currently a heroin overdose epidemic in
Worcester because of:

43. Treatment
• Sharps Drop Boxes are located throughout
Worcester County to help lower the spread of
diseases.
• Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol are being used
to wean patients off heroin.
• It is highly advised that people receive psychiatric
help while in recovery.
• Addiction is a disease, meaning the treatment and
recovery process is as long as any other disease.

44. Worcester County Overdose Statistics
for 2015 (Jan-July)
January 15 deaths
February 7 deaths
March 19 deaths
April 4 deaths
May 3 deaths
June 8 deaths
July 7 deaths
The leading cities/towns:
1) Worcester (17)
2) Fitchburg (11)
3) Leominster (5)
4) Gardner (3)
63 suspected overdose
deaths
1) Males: 50
2) Females: 13

45. Worcester District Attorney’s Opiate
Task Force
“We’re remaining ever vigilant on heroin
and opiate trafficking to keep poison off our
streets and out of our neighborhoods”
District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

46. Police Bust Drug Ring
Six people were arrested on charges relating to a heroin and
opiate bust in Worcester-
• Charges are Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine, and
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act
• Inside two separate apartments, police found 20 grams
of crack cocaine, 40 grams of heroin, packaging
materials, scales, cutting agents, hypodermic needles,
and multiple cell phones.
• Multiple cars and 3 jetskis were seized and suspected
to be purchased with drug proceeds

47. “I would much rather prevent a
crime than have to solve one” –
District Attorney Joseph D.
Early Jr
“The majority of the crime we
deal with is drug and alcohol
related” – District Attorney
Joseph D. Early Jr.
#itstartswithU
#DAvsDACheck out our Facebook
and Twitter page for more
information on the Opiate
Task Force!

48. A Special Thanks to
CleanSlate Addiction Treatment Centers
Worcester Police
Worcester Telegram and Gazette