Illegal Prescription Drug Use an ‘Epidemic’

During its meeting last week, a member of the Delaware County Council said that the illegal use of prescription drug use has become an epidemic in today’s society.

“Last year, the Centers for Disease Control said that the abuse of prescription drugs in the United States is now an epidemic,” said councilwoman Colleen Morrone.

Morrone said that the county council will be teaming up with the county’s district attorney’s office, the local law enforcement and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, among other agencies, to hold the fourth “Take Back” drug event, where people can “properly dispose of any medications that are outdated or no longer needed.”

In today’s society, illegal use of prescription drugs have become more popular, with some of the most common drugs being misused are: Vicodin, Oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax and Valium, said Morrone.

The council’s medical advisor Dr. George Avetian said that people need to store their prescription drugs in a safe place. He said that in addition to people misusing these types of drugs for recreational use, he also warned parents that by storing medication in a safe place it would prevent young children from accidently poisoning themselves.

The “Take Back” drug event will take place on Saturday, April 28, at various locations. Please see the attached PDF for the location that is closest to you.