DEA and local agencies hold 20th annual Drug Take Back Day

“Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and theft. Rates of prescription drug misuse are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” EPPC Coordinator Madeline Marlow said.

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- After the nation’s opioid epidemic surged in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) held its 20th annual Take Back Day on Saturday.

In collaboration with the East Providence Police Department, the DEA gave Rhode Islanders the opportunity to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs, by turning them in anonymously.

According to experts, 90 percent of prescription drug addictions begin in the teenage years and Rhode Island leads the nation in teens abusing drugs.

“Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse and theft. Rates of prescription drug misuse are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs,” EPPC Coordinator Madeline Marlow said.

“We must do all that we can to stem overdose fatalities and reduce access to these substances.”

The East Providence Police Department told ABC6 they collected a total of seven boxes, weighing 194 pounds.

For more information for substance misuse prevention, contact the East Providence Coalition eppc@eastprovidenceri.gov at or go to DEATakeBack.com.