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(Hackensack, NJ) - September 15, 2010 – Often parents are unaware that their teenagers obtain drugs not on the street, but from the family medicine cabinet. In fact, using prescription drugs to get high is growing in popularity among high school students and is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States; with prescription drugs ranking as the second most abused category of drugs behind marijuana. While these medications are safe and effective when taken as directed for legitimate medical purposes, they are just as dangerous and deadly as illicit drugs when taken for non-medical purposes or ingested accidentally. (Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy).
To help people become aware of this trend among teens, The Center For Alcohol and Drug Resources, A Program of Children's Aid and Family Services; the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office; and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, are encouraging Bergen County residents to properly dispose of their prescription medications at two medicine disposal events. Numerous municipalities are participating in Operation Take Back NJ, facilitated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Jersey, on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The second event, on Saturday, November 13, 2010, is The American Medicine Chest Challenge. These initiatives, open to all Bergen County residents, were organized to allow local community residents to properly dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medicines. The service is free and anonymous. The substances will be disposed of in a safe, non-hazardous manner, preventing them from falling into the hands of teenagers or causing harm to the environment.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that the majority of teens, 63 percent, agree that prescription drugs are easier to get than other illicit drugs. According to Monitoring the Future, University of Michigan, between 2004 and 2008, the number of visits to the hospital emergency department involving non-medical use of narcotic painkillers increased 111 percent.
"There is growing awareness about the easy accessibility of prescription drugs and the devastating effect the abuse of these drugs can have on families and the community," says Ellen Elias, The Center's director and vice president for prevention and addition services for Children's Aid and Family Services. "Parents often lock up their alcohol to keep it away from their children. This same vigilance needs to be applied to prescription drugs in the home. "
"When placed in the wrong hands or disposed of incorrectly, prescription drugs can be deadly and cause significant risks to our environment," Sheriff Leo McGuire said. "We are calling on all residents to become our partners in safety by cleaning out your medicine cabinets. With drop-off sites all over Bergen County, Operation Take Back NJ provides a convenient and safe way to properly dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medications – no questions asked."
"In 2009, Operation Medicine Cabinet was launched and more than 400 police departments and other law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey helped collect 9,000 pounds of old prescription medications," said Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli. "That's 4.5 tons of medications that were kept out of the hands of misguided teenagers and illicit markets. This is a tremendous effort on the part of police departments, law enforcement agencies and community residents. Now, with added awareness, we know we can improve on these results."
Collection sites in every local community can be found on www.operationtakebacknj.com and www.americanmedicinechest.com. For more information, please call The Center at 201.488.8680. If you are unable to participate in either Operation Take Back NJ or the American Medicine Chest Challenge, please visit www.smartxtdisposal.net for tips on how to dispose of your unwanted medications.
The Center will have information available about the abuse of prescription drugs at each of the drop-off sites during the two events. The Center is Bergen County's designated resource center for alcohol, tobacco and other drug information. If you have concerns or questions about yourself or a friend or family member, call 201.488.8680 to speak with one of The Center's experts.
About The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources provides community and school-based education programs about alcohol and drug abuse and advocates for responsive prevention and treatment services. The Center's offices are located in Hackensack and its services are available throughout Bergen County. The Center is a program of Children's Aid and Family Services,
one of the leading nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for 110 years. Its mission is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. For more information, call 201.261.2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org. | 
