Law Enforcement Officials Expect "Drug Day" Will Help Slow Down Opioid Crisis



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LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WKBT) – A program to slow down the opioid epidemic in Wisconsin is organizing another local event. The state's "Drug Take Back Day" is intended to collect unwanted or unwanted prescription drugs in a safe manner.

The La Crosse Police Service eliminated nearly 300 pounds of unused drugs during the day of taking the drug in the spring. By asking people to drop these drugs, they will no longer be within reach of those who abuse them.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said that since the beginning of the opioid epidemic, law enforcement officials have long gone for those who provide the drugs.

"The problem is, what we did not know is that we also have to tackle the demand side," Schimel said.

This involved creating drug and alcohol courts to provide drug treatment and to create the prescription drug monitoring program.

"When prescription drugs are misused, the forces of order [officals] are able to inform the doctor and pharmacist that this is happening via the PDMP, "said Schimel.

These programs only helped when the person became addicted.

"If we can solve the problem of painkillers, we can solve our heroin problem more effectively," Schimel said.

According to National Institute for Combating Drug Abuse, nearly 80% of Americans consuming heroin said they misused prescription opioids first.

"Some people had very legitimate reasons for taking painkillers, they developed an addiction and did not know how to feed this addiction, so they turned to heroin or methamphetamine," said Ron Tischer, chief of the department. La Crosse police station. .

On Drug Recovery Day, people are encouraged to bring any medication to make sure that their friends and family do not go down that road.

"We love to see this box filled because we know that every pill in this box should not fall into the hands of someone who should not use it," Tischer said.

If people wish to bring drugs to the event, they can bring them in a ziplock bag or leave them in their original packaging. However, the police department says it will not accept liquids or needles. To find the location closest to you, go to DoseOfReality.WI.gov.

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