Coalitions Conduct Take Back Events to Curb Prescription Drug Abuse

With more young people abusing prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana, communities across the country are holding prescription take back events as part of their efforts to reduce youth access to these drugs and increase awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

In New Jersey, state and local leaders partnered for the nation’s first statewide take back event, known as “Operation Medicine Cabinet.” According to the Drug Enforcement Administration New Jersey Division, which spearheaded the effort in partnership with CADCA member the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, they collected 9,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs – a street value of $35 million. Over 440 local police departments and sheriff departments, in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties, hosted collection sites on November 14.

“Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey accomplished two main goals—first and foremost, it generated unprecedented attention to the issue of prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse, and secondly, it caused tens of thousands of New Jersey residents to look at their medicine cabinets as a potential source for young people to access highly addictive and deadly drugs,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the PDFNJ.

Based on the overwhelming response and success of Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey, the program organizers are currently planning on expanding this program to other states throughout the country.

Coalition leaders in Reading, Mass., Richmond, Va., Collier County, Fla., Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Missoula, Mont. held similar events this year.

In order to collect prescription drugs such as controlled substances, a take back event must include law enforcement agencies that have completed the required processes through DEA. If your community would like more information about how to host a take back event, write to editor@cadca.org.