Twice As Many Americans Abuse Rx DrugsAs Cocaine, Heroin Combined

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Twice as many Americans abuse prescription drugs as the number abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. Grissom called on Kansans to help solve the problem by participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26.

“All of us need to empty our medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs,” Grissom said. “Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets.”

Grissom said more than 6 million Americans abuse prescription drugs and more accidental deaths are caused by drug overdoses than by car accidents.

About 100 collection sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at locations across Kansas. For a current list of drop off sites in your area, visit www.dea.gov and click on the “Got Drugs?” logo.