This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
In an effort to address this problem, DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from our nation’s medicine cabinets. There were approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated in the event. All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on this first National Take Back Day.
Due to the overwhelming success of the first event, DEA is planning a second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011. This will be a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them. Further information about the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including a link to locate a collection site near you, will be posted on this website.
The National Take Back Initiative was launched by the DEA to combat the abuse of prescription drugs by providing a safe way for people to dispose of unused medications. The first event, held on September 25, 2010, was a success, with over 121 tons of pills collected from across the U.S. Due to the success, a second event was planned for April 30, 2011. This initiative aims to remove potentially dangerous drugs, particularly controlled substances, from homes, reducing access to these substances for non-prescribed users.
The National Take Back Initiative focused on preventing prescription drug abuse by offering a convenient way to dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused medications. By providing local drop-off locations, it aimed to keep controlled substances out of the wrong hands and reduce the risk of drug-related accidents, thefts, or misuse.
In addition to preventing drug abuse, the initiative also sought to address environmental concerns. Improperly discarded medications can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems. This program ensured that collected drugs were safely destroyed, further protecting public health and the environment.
