Arizona Residents Dispose of 4 Tons of Prescription Drugs

More than 8,000 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medicine collected in fifth statewide Take-Back effort OCT 04 (PHOENIX) Over 8,000 pounds of prescription drugs were collected during the fifth Prescription Drug Take-Back Event. When the results of the four statewide Take-Back Days to date are combined, DEA and its state, local and tribal law enforcement and community partners have removed in excess of 35,000 pounds (17.5 tons) of medications from circulation. The one-day DEA nationwide campaign was held on September 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and provided Arizonans the ability to properly dispose of their unwanted and expired medications in a safe and environmentally sound way. We are pleased at the response of our communities once again, and we thank them for participating and contributing to the battle against prescription drug abuse, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts on behalf of the American people. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly highmore Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA encourages parents, educators, and young adults to visit the following websites to learn about prescription drug abuse and misuse: www.justthinktwice.com; www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com; www.drugfreeaz.org.