6.2 million people misused prescription drugs in the past month.

Gentlereaders: Alcohol use is stable over the last 70 years and drug use for the last decade declined. While it’s difficult (if not impossible) to take something as complex as substance abuse and make general statements, we are concerned that the increase in prescription drug abuse indicates an “acceptable” level of drug use.

All substance abuse has strong connections to illegal or innapropriate behavior; the more substances we abuse, the greater the burdens for society. Prescription substance abuse seems to be increasing.

Prescription substance abusers aren’t buying their drugs from street corners and somehow, that’s making abuse acceptable in the minds of many users. The efforts of the DEA and related federal agencies is a move in the right direction.

Crime in America.Net

DEA Heads First-Ever Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Saturday, September 25, 2010 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and government, community, public health, and law enforcement partners are holding a nationwide prescription drug “take-back” day. On September 25, 2010, collection sites around the country will take any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for safe, legal, and environmentally friendly disposal.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The misuse of prescription drugs, including diversion, accidental poisoning, and overdose, has been increasing at an alarming rate. Nationally, an estimated 6.2 million people age 12 and older report having misused prescription drugs in the past month. One of the easiest ways individuals can help reduce this problem is to properly dispose of unused or expired medications. Studies have shown that a majority of prescription drugs are easily obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. The take-back day offers Americans an easy way to dispose of their prescription drugs and help reduce the rate of prescription drug abuse.

Getting Involved in National Take-Back Day

Link to the DEA Web site from your organization or coalition page ).
Send an email to your subscribers about National Take-Back Day. Include the date and time of the event and a link to the DEA site to find the closest location.
Contact your local DEA Special Agent in Charge to find out what you can do to help out at the event.

View Collection Sites in Your Local Community


	Related Resources

			The Abuse of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs (POTC-08)

			An Important Lesson: Helping Students Avoid Prescription Drug Abuse (SMA09-4446)

			Talking to Your Patients About Prescription Drug Abuse (SMA09-4445)

			Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Vol. 5, Issue 2: Prescription Medications: Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction (SMA06-4175)

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