While toxicology results are still pending, the Cascade County Coroner’s Office says an early investigation reveals a possible drug overdose in the deaths of two men found Wednesday in Great Falls.

Addiction experts stay that sometimes it takes death and destruction for the general public to realize just how prevalent and severe substance abuse is right here in our community.

"Meth is down, but other drugs have taken its place,” said Officer Jesse Slaughter of the Great Falls Police Department.

"The most important trend right now is abused prescription drugs,” said Scott Boyles of Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

According to a study in Montana Business Quarterly, Montana's youth drink and use drugs at a higher rate than the rest of this nation. Also, those substance abuse behaviors often continue through adult life.

“it's not just the guy lying in the alley,” Boyles said. “Drug users are our mothers, brothers, sisters, and children.”

Some Great falls citizens spoke out today to share their thoughts about drug use in the community.

"i think drugs are everywhere,” said James Partida. “You can get it if you want it."

"it worries me because in about 10 years, who will be running our country and our city," said Sonja Buus.

"There were two dead bodies discovered,” said Mary Gopher-Parenteau. “I bet it was from drugs.”

Officer Jesse Slaughter of the Great Falls Police Department says that when major drug related crimes occur, the public takes notice, but when the city goes a while without drug incidents, people tend to become complacent.

"We need to stay vigilant. Drugs are not going a way. We need to be watching for it."

Boyles adds that substance addiction is beatable, and encourages those struggling to seek one of the many resources available in our community.