DEA ADVISORY: NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY APRIL 27th

I wonder how many psych patients turn in their meds to this.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: DEA Public Affairs
(202) 307-7977

Press Release

DEA ADVISORY:

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY APRIL 27th

Who: DEA, local law enforcement and community partners, and the American people

What: Sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day across the country. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Where: Collection sites across the country.  Visit dea.gov and click on the “Got Drugs?” icon for a site near you

When: Saturday, April 27th.  Collection sites are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

Why: To prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs.  Local law enforcement agencies in thousands of American communities partnered with the DEA to take in over 2 million pounds—almost 1,018 tons—of expired prescription drugs since September 2010.  Unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern, because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high--more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to surveys of users. 

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