I'm seeing similar increases in heroin use in my small midwest hometown. Multiple overdose deaths monthly, as well as arrests.

I honestly don't get what most of the other commenters are going on about. The stats are pretty widely reported on the massive increase in opioid abuse.

They must live on the coasts or otherwise have avoided what has been plaguing many states in recent years

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/03/daily-c...

Here's a long but very informative article outlining a few important issues plaguing the US, drug abuse playing a significant part:

https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/our-miserable-21...