A “second version” of Los Alamos

The cost of silence, part 2

Story by Stephanie Nakhleh
Photos by Minesh Bacrania

Content warning:
This story discusses topics of substance use, addiction, overdose, self harm, and the dangers of counterfeit drugs, including fentanyl. These topics may be distressing to some readers. Please take care when reading.

“Grace”, an interviewee for this story.

In Part 1 of this series, we introduced the idea that Los Alamos teens are not immune from substance use. While the town has earned its reputation as a great place to raise kids in many respects, young people, police, addiction specialists, and others tell a story that they say many parents and town leaders either aren’t aware of or don’t want to hear. We heard stories about the pressures and challenges facing teens in this affluent, high-achieving town. Now, we delve deeper into what one young adult familiar with the local drug scene calls “the second version of Los Alamos” — a hidden world of parties, drugs, and danger that many parents and community leaders struggle …