Bargain-Hunting Prescription Drug Users Turning To Heroin

The economy is influencing Metro Detroiters' illegal drug choices, experts say, with prescription drug abusers turning to a cheaper — but more dangerous — alternative: heroin, according to George Hunter in the Detroit News.

Prescription drugs such as Vicodin sell for as high as $15 a pill, depending on their strength. OxyContin or the other heavy-duty painkillers can go for as high as $40 per pill on the street in the Detroit area, and as much as $60 per pill down south.  

Conversely, a "teener" — a packet containing 1/16th of an ounce of heroin — costs about $10. 

But the cost savings are offset by a danger -- You never know how strong it is.