BOSTON -- A lethal combination of rock bottom prices combined with a spike in the potency and availability of heroin on Massachusetts streets has led to a startling increase in the number of heroin-related deaths in recent years.

NewsCenter 5’s Bianca de la Garza reported Tuesday that the state’s heroin crisis has spread from inner cities to tranquil suburbs.

“It just makes you think you’re nothing,” said Maureen Coppinger, a recovering heroin addict. “It took everything from me."

"It’s ruined everything," said Sarrie Meggison, another addict now seeking treatment along with Coppinger at Project Cope in Lynn.

Addicts and drug enforcement officials share the same enemy – a surge in the strength and accessibility of heroin.

“It's actually our No. 1 priority,” said Special Agent Steven Derr of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. “You can go out for $10 and get a bag of heroin. I don't think the future is particular bright."

The new mission, according to Derr, is to stop the flow of heroin from Colombia to New England streets. That’s where Coppinger and Meggison found heroin, and soon got hooked.

"I've gone to over 30-something detoxes," said Meggison.

Coppinger added, “The drug makes you think you’re worthless, you're better off dead, you’re better off without your family."

“The heroin we saw today is not the heroin we saw 20-25 years ago,” said Derr. “It’s much, much, much stronger. Even the first time they are using it, it’s too strong for them."

And that may explain, in part, the state’s recent sharp rise in opoid-related overdose deaths. In 1996, there were 178. A decade later, the number of fatal overdoses had more than tripled to 637 – killing more people than motor vehicle accidents.

"Don't assume it’s just the cities, don't blame the cities. It’s everywhere," said Salisbury Police Chief David L'Esperance.

For L'Esperance, who became chief three years ago, the fight against heroin is personal. His 20-year-old son, Christopher, died of an opoid overdose two years ago.

“He was a great kid until he got into that. Then it all changed,” he said. “There is no stereotype for this, that is what people have to understand."

It’s something recovering addicts know firsthand. Both said they are thankful to be alive, but heroin has left a permanent mark on them.

"It got to the point last year where I wanted to die,” said Coppinger. “You don't care if you live or die, it’s that bad I really truly want to die."

“I had the house, the family, a job," said Meggison. “This isn’t a joke,” said Coppinger. “For young kids going out and experimenting, really think before you do things."

Local and federal law enforcement told NewsCenter 5 they agree that rehab is critical for people battling heroin.