In 2016 CVS Pharmacy awarded the Nahant Police Department a grant to install a Drug Collection Drop off Box that is in the front lobby of our police station. This Drug Drop off Box will provide residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medication, including controlled substances. The Drug Drop off Box is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Drug Drop Off Box is intended to reduce the amount of unneeded medicine/drugs in homes and decrease prescription drug abuse, which has soared in recent years, especially among teenagers
Drug and opioid epidemic is widespread and effects citizens of all demographics. Unfortunately, this epidemic is not going away anytime soon. Most drugs are beneficial, and help people tolerate pain, heal illnesses or help control certain health issues among everyday people. At the same time, there are some that are harmful and even those that are meant to be helpful can be dangerous if applied incorrectly or abused. Unfortunately as more drugs are introduced and created, the potential for increased drug abuse rises as well. Whether it be from prescription over-the-counter drugs, or harmful substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc., the risks of abuse and overdose are always there. It is vital for those receiving a prescription drug or painkiller to know the instructed dosages to take and not take more than required or assigned.
Parents of teens and young adults must also know the dangers of all types of drugs. In today’s world, the ease of access to drugs has never been easier. It is important for parents to know the signs and symptoms of possible drug abuse among their children, which can range from anything such as a lack of interest in hobbies and activities, declining school grades, changes in eating habits and overall strange and sporadic behavior. There are many ways parents can help their children when it comes to drugs. The first is to sit down with them and discuss the dangers of all types of drugs, and to never take a prescription drug not prescribed to them. Giving a young mind the education and information on the dangers of substance abuse is a necessary first step in helping to prevent drug abuse in teens. In the event that the abuse has already taken place, there are still ways for parents to help their children. These can include taking their children out of a bad or harmful situation or environment, seeking professional help, and in some cases allowing their children to open up and telling them about their issues. In many cases, there is a legitimate reason as to why the teen resorted to some sort of drug abuse, and as a parent, knowing why is absolutely necessary to help their children shake off their abuse.
It is very important that all parents and guardians have that direct, frequent, clear and tough conversation with their children about drugs and how it will negatively impact their lives after short and long term abuse of all drugs. One of our greatest challenges of today’s Law Enforcement Community is dealing with the opiate crisis. The Nahant Police Department is fully aware that there is a heroin epidemic that has touched every community to include ours. With that being said, all Nahant Police Officers are trained in the use of Naloxone Hydrochloride, more commonly known as NARCAN. Each Police Cruiser is equipped with Automated External Defibrillation device, which also contains one dose of NARCAN. Each member of the Department fully understands the power of opiate addiction and we can offer some resources and guidance to anyone who needs it. We strongly encourage anyone fighting a drug addiction disease to reach out to us for help. We understand that it’s a long road to recovery, however with support and guidance your goal can be reached. If the Nahant Police Department can be of any help please do not hesitate to reach out to us.