JEFFERSON COUNTY - AL -
Heroin deaths are on the rise in central Alabama.
The Jefferson County Coroner says 57 people died because of heroin overdoses in 2012. That's nearly double the number of people who died after overdosing on the drug in 2011.
Heroin was also listed as a contributing factor in five other deaths in 2012.
30 people died in Jefferson County from overdoses on the drug in 2011, which was nearly double the number of people who died from overdosing on the drug in 2010.
Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper says heroin may be seeing a resurgence in the area because prescription pill addicts are turning to the drug as pills become more expensive.
