Otherwise known as “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” National Drug Take-Back Day on April 25 is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Its goal is to keep the public aware of the dangers of prescription drug use and misuse. Many Americans don’t know how to safely dispose of the prescription drugs that have been sitting in the medicine cabinet past their prime. Using these expired drugs, or using someone else’s, is dangerous and puts both the public and the environment at risk.
With the FDA Act of 1988, the FDA joined the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct research, enforce laws, educate the public, and provide information on drug abuse and current drug policy. In 2005, The Drug Safety Board focused on issues around drug safety, formed as a collaboration between public and private entities. It is always best to be aware and prepared for yourself, your family, and close friends that you can help educate if the time ever arises. In this article, you’ll learn why this day is so important, how to observe the day for yourself, and 5 urgent facts about prescription drugs.
Why Is This Day So Important?
National Drug Take-Back Day actually occurs every six months. The DEA started this campaign so the public would understand how important it is for prescription drugs to be disposed of safely. This way the prescription drugs won’t fall into the wrong hands. Illegal drugs and paraphernalia (as well as inhalers and blood test strips) aren’t part of the campaign. When prescription drugs are disposed of improperly, it puts us all potentially in harm’s way.
This day really is focused on teaching the correct methods of disposal for prescription drugs.
Never flush expired prescription drugs down the sink or toilet unless the label on the bottle says so. In most cases, you need to locate a DEA-approved facility or do it safely yourself. If you’d like to learn how you can properly dispose of them yourself, then make sure to keep reading!
This day is to essentially help communities stay safe. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. Many of these drugs were snatched from a friend or family member’s medicine cabinet. The DEA considers medications that fall into the wrong hands a safety and environmental issue affecting all of us. That’s why National Drug Take-Back Day urges the proper disposal of prescription drugs — and, hopefully, saves lives.
Take Action Today!
When it comes to how you can play your part on this day, we’ve got a couple of recommendations! Firt of all, do the right thing. Deliver your expired or suspect prescription drugs to a DEA-authorized location. Whether it’s a pharmacy or a national chain drop-off site, a clearly marked area with authorized representatives will accept your prescription drugs between 10 am and 2 pm, local time. If you have questions, log onto the DEA’s website where there’s a ton of information about the campaign.
If you’re tight on time, here is the proper way you can do it yourself! Make sure to follow the instructions exactly.
Instructions:
1. Remove the drugs from the bottle and mix them in with dirt, used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or something similar.
2. Then, place the drugs in a sealable bag and chuck them into the garbage can. If you’re still unsure, ask your friendly neighborhood pharmacist for advice.
Another way you can play your part is to find a drug treatment center. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid or prescription drug addiction, take that first step to find a treatment center on National Drug Take-Back Day. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a therapeutic option that combines behavioral therapies with medications to heal the patient holistically. Drugs like methadone and buprenorphine are being successfully integrated into treatment plans.
Lastly, visit the DEA’s Partnership Toolbox. Be a leader in the fight against prescription drug abuse. Go to the DEA’s website and download their Partnership Toolbox. You’ll find downloadable posters, treatment locations, and so much more to help spread the word and help others take action.
Five Urgent Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse
It’s a killer – More people die from prescription drug abuse than traffic accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
It will hospitalize you – About 120,000 Americans land in the hospital each year after overdosing on painkillers.
It hits hard in rural areas – American rural areas suffer the highest loss of life due to prescription painkiller overdoses.
It leads the way in fatalities – Legally prescribed pain pills are now the number one cause of fatal overdoses according to the CDC.
It affects our teenagers – A whopping 70 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs include lots of reasons for doing so —including the need to relax and peer pressure; amazingly, some teens don’t even know why they started abusing the drugs in the first place.
Look To Natural & Traditional Methods For Relief
Studies have shown that Chinese Medicine can reduce the craving for cigarettes and other addictive substances and the World Health Organisation has agreed that Acupuncture has a therapeutic effect on the dependence on tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and opium*.
According to CM theory, Chinese Medicine treats the withdrawal symptoms caused by addictions and reduces cravings. Acupuncture and Herbs are used according to Chinese Medicine theory to stimulate detoxification, promote a heightened sense of relaxation, encourage endorphin production in order to overcome addiction, help the body cope with stress, improve circulation and promote mental wellbeing.
The length of treatment depends on the patient’s response and on the severity and duration of the addiction. Drug addiction has also been shown to benefit from Chinese medical treatment. Treatment for addiction can be effective only if the patient is determined to change. Please note that although we are confident in our treatments, we cannot guarantee a cessation of addiction as the needs and difficulties of each patient can differ greatly.
In almost all circumstances, we’d always recommend getting help from Holistic Healthcare providers to find relief, recovery, or assistance in whatever health goals you may have. We have a personalized program for each individual that walks into our clinic and always treats the targeted problem and not just your symptoms. We suggest this because it’s all-natural and not addictive! The body has amazing properties and mechanics within itself that can lead to a much more effective recovery process. With the best and natural assistance, you’ll see incredible results with your treatment here at Lotus Spring Acupuncture & Wellness Inc.