COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A state sponsored study of drug abuse has found increased levels of abuse involving “black tar” heroin.

The finding included increased abuse of the drug by white youth and young adults in suburban areas of the state.

Wright State University and several other institutions in the Ohio Substance Monitoring Network identified three trends.

Those findings include increased abuse of heroin, prescription drugs with alcohol among youth and drugs with alcohol among senior citizens.

Marijuana abuse remained consistently high statewide among young people entering treatment.

The abuse of methamphetamine, also known as “meth,” and abuse of OxyContin appear to be in decline.

Angela Cornelius Dawson, Director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, said she was encouraged to see that meth and OxyContin abuse was in decline.

“As a state, we need to focus our efforts on prevention, especially among Ohio’s youth,” Dawson said.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com