Prescriptions abuse is growing epidemic

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Overdosing is the number one cause of accidental death in the United States. Local leaders are stepping up a push to keep leftover prescription medication out of childrens' hands.

The numbers say it all. One in five high school students will abuse prescription drugs at some point. More kids will abuse prescription pills than pot, and the average age of first use is just 12-years-old.

Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in the U.S., and western New York is not an exception. Suzanne and Mark Crotty know first hand how dangerous this can be. They lost their son, Zachary, about eight months ago from a fatal mix of methadone and other prescription drugs. Now they are on a crusade to raise awareness of this growing problem so other parents can detect the warning signs.

Mark explained, "They'll act differently. They don't want to talk to you. They will avoid you. No eye contact."

Suzanne and Mark spoke at a news conference at Clarence Town Hall to address this serious issue and encourage families to rid their home of unwanted or unneeded prescription drugs.

"Get serious about removing these outdated and unused drugs so they don't get into the wrong hands," said Suzanne.

There will be an opportunity to do just that. People will be able to drive up and drop off all unneeded and unwanted prescription drugs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 19th, at the Eastern Hills Mall parking lot.

Mark Asirwatham also knows how destructive prescription drug addition can be.

Mark explained, "I got arrested. I got kicked out of my house."

He justified his addiction because the pills were prescribed by a doctor. Mark was one of the lucky ones who got a second chance, but not everyone will be so lucky. That is why all unused prescription drugs should be properly disposed of.