National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Medication is a powerful source of well-being. Since the creation of antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs, the quality of life of people has improved significantly. However, prescription drugs should only be used for their primary purpose. To avoid medication misuse and potentially dangerous conditions like opioid addiction, unutilized medicines should be appropriately disposed of.

That’s why the Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice yearly. During the last Saturday of April and October, DEA hosts collection sites along many locations where medications can be dropped off safely.

A commitment to a safer and healthier community

If prescription drugs are thrown in the trash, they are more likely to be illegally sold or abused. In addition, chemicals flushed down toilets might become huge contaminants and threaten the water supply.

Nevertheless, the United States recognizes drug overdose as a public health, security, and safety concern. As a community, all of us can help reduce the chances that unneeded and unused medications find their way into the wrong hands.

Opioid addiction

One of the most common concerns about medication misuse is opioid addiction. These drugs boost the effects of natural endorphins in people’s brains, causing reduced pain and an overall feeling of well-being. However, the abuse of opioids can quickly lead to severe health problems for the person and their loved ones.

Here are some symptoms of opioid addiction:

How to prepare for Take Back Day?

In addition to National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the DEA can receive drugs for disposal throughout the year from over 11,000 authorized collectors.