National Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day today has two purposes in Wisconsin.
In addition to proper disposal of unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs to prevent contamination to our environment, state officials warn about the misuse of medications leading to Heroin addiction.
Chris McNichol, who leads the drug crime task force in Milwaukee, says it’s important to monitor prescriptions at home. “You know, no matter how much trust you have in your children, your friends, your family members, it’s important to be responsible with those kinds of medications and ensure that they’re not being diverted for some sort of illegitimate use.”
State Attorney General JB Van Hollen wants to prevent abuse of prescription drugs — a gateway to more serious drug abuse. The Wisconsin Department of Justice works to make kids, parents, and teachers aware of the dangers of Heroin, which has become a serious problem in our state.
McNichol says when prescribed drugs are no longer available, or too expensive, individuals make the switch to Heroin. “Throughout the years, some of the stigma that used to be associated with Heroin has kinda fallen away. For a lot of kids, when they try their first hit of Heroin, they’re not thinking it’s anything worse than maybe marijuana or popping a pill. They’re not realizing the addictive and destructive potential that lies in that drug.”
A public awareness campaign was developed by the DOJ to educate teens, young adults and others about Heroin. “The Fly Effect” was introduced last month. In which, many individuals — including State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) — recall their personal experience with drug addiction.
National Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day is being held in communities across Wisconsin Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 10 am to 2 pm. In April of this year, Wisconsin residents dropped off nearly 23 tons (45,581.3 lbs) of prescription drugs at 180 collection sites statewide.
Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website to find a location near you.
