TREASURE ISLAND, Fla., – According to a report issued Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths caused by heroin overdoses have more than doubled since 2010.

In the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report issued by the CDC, 28 states reported seeing an increase in deaths caused by heroin.

“While prescription pain medications have been and continue to be a major concern, this data correlates with what we have been seeing at our treatment center,” said Dr. Christopher Gleis, medical director of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center. “Since law enforcement has cracked down on the distribution of prescription pain medications, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of people seeking treatment for heroin.”

According to Gleis, patients report heroin is cheaper and often easier to get on the street than prescription pain medications.

“While all substance abuse is dangerous, heroin is particularly dangerous because unlike prescription medications, every dose is different,” Gleis said. “The potency of one bag of heroin can differ greatly from another, which is one of the main reasons for a higher probability of overdose.”

Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol treatment facility located in Pinellas County, Fla. In addition to treating patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world, Footprints provides Florida clinicians with continuing education events and hosts community workshops on addiction related treatment and psychoeducation.

If you or someone you know would like more information on substance abuse or addiction recovery, please visit https://footprintsrec.wpengine.com .