Federal, local authorities spearhead drive vs prescription drug abuse

Results of surveys conducted on a national level have revealed “very disturbing” statistics on prescription drug abuse among young people in the U.S., prompting federal and local authorities to rally behind prescription drug abuse prevention and control in the CNMI.

In 2008, a survey showed that prescription drugs are the top choice among 12 to 13 year olds and that 4 out of 10 teens believe that prescription and over-the-counter medicines are less addictive and dangerous than street drugs—a misconception that could lead to addiction or death among the youth.

That is why the U.S. Attorney’s Office is joining forces anew with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Department of Public Safety, and the CNMI Customs Services Division for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.

The initiative, which began in 2010 and is held at least annually, is aimed at providing community members an opportunity to get rid of expired or unused prescription drugs by turning them in for proper disposal.

Representatives of the various agencies a news briefing last Friday announcing details about this year’s event, which will be held on April 28 from 10am to 2pm at the Horiguchi Building parking lot on Saipan and the Tinian and Rota health centers.

Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, U.S. Attorney for CNMI and Guam, said the initiative helps promote education and awareness in the community, particularly among the youth, regarding prescription drug abuse, an issue that affects not only public health and safety but the environment as well.

According to Limtiaco, the youth abuse prescription drugs due to various reasons, including wanting to fit in or accepted, coping with stress, depression and anxiety, weight control, and self-medication.

“Most of these teens are obtaining these prescription drugs from their own household, from their own medicine cabinets,” said Mike Puralewski, DEA resident in charge for CNMI and Guam. “It’s why we ask parents to go through their medicine cabinets and pull out unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs.”

Karen Buettner, director of hospital services, noted that sharing of medication is also not advisable for several reasons such as allergies, disproportionate dosages, and pre-existing conditions that could be dangerous and fatal.

There are practical home tips, Limtiaco said, that would prevent prescription drug abuse among the youth. These include removing drugs from medicine cabinets and hiding or locking them away, monitoring quantities of prescription drugs, taking inventory and controlling access on these prescription drugs.

Officials at Friday’s news briefing urged the public to bring to their drop off points bottles of these prescription drugs which will be incinerated to ensure proper disposal. “No questions will be asked,” Puralewski added.

Limtiaco said National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative in CNMI and Guam hauled 136 lbs of prescription drugs last April and another 94 lbs last October. “The more we spread the word, the more we see our community coming out and turning in prescription drugs.”