The alarming increase in the abuse of prescription drugs is a disturbing problem across the country. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration is asking families to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring them to collection sites around the country on Saturday, Sept. 25 for what is called National Take-Back Day.
The program is free and anonymous and provides a safe and environmentally responsible way to rid your home of these potentially dangerous medications. Many of the medications that will be disposed of are opiates, which are highly addictive.
In Arizona, the use of prescription drugs has increased among eighth, tenth and twelfth graders, according to the Arizona affiliate of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
Across the country, one in five teenagers in the age demographic has reported abusing opiates and other prescription drugs and Arizona is no exception. The growing popularity of "pharm parties" among teenagers has contributed to the disturbing trend of prescription drug abuse.
"Medicine cabinets can serve as avenues for kids to get high," said Ramona Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the Phoenix Drug Enforcement Administration office. "Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as other drugs when taken without a doctor’s orders. Don’t be an unknowing source."
Sanchez said that seven out of the 10 most commonly abused drugs among teenagers are prescription medication, with opiate-based painkillers being at the top of the list.
"Teens have the attitude that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs," Sanchez said.
