DEA, Lakewood Police Want Your Unused Prescriptions

LAKEWOOD, OH — Overdose deaths are rising in Ohio and across the U.S. To stymie the spread of narcotics and fight drug addictions, law enforcement is holding an event to collect unwanted prescription medications.

On Saturday, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held across the U.S. Lakewood residents can drop off their unwanted prescriptions at the Lakewood police department, 12650 Detroit Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Personnel will be in the department lobby to assist with disposals.

Lakewood police also have a prescription drop off box available in their lobby. Residents can dispose of unwanted medications using that box at any time.

Participants can dispose of tablets, capsules and other solid forms of prescriptions at the event. Liquids, syringes and other illegal drugs will not be accepted. Vaping devices will be accepted if the accompanying lithium battery has been removed.

Can't make it to Lakewood Police Department? Find a collection site near you using the DEA site locator: Take Back Day (dea.gov).

DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin wants Ohioans to help curb the number of medications in circulation.

“Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths,” Martin said. “Take Back Day is not only a great opportunity to rid your home of unused medication but is also a time to have important conversations about proper use and storage of prescription medication.”

Opioid overdose deaths spiked during the pandemic, the DEA reported. Many drug addictions begin with prescriptions. Some 83,544 Americans died between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That was the most overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.

“A surge in overdose deaths this year has already put many communities in Northern Ohio on track to meet or eclipse overdose numbers not seen since 2017,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Participation in this year’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day is even more important as law enforcement fights back against this increase. We ask that everyone look through their homes and medicine cabinets for any unused prescription drugs for safe disposal at one of DEA’s identified locations throughout Northern Ohio. Taking part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a significant way for all residents to help us combat this crisis.”

The increase in overdoses began before the pandemic but accelerated sharply in the first few months of COVID-19's spread. Many people battling addiction abused prescriptions taken from family and friends, so clearing out the medicine cabinet is essential, the DEA said.