National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations around the country, including the Dallas Police Department’s northeast substation. Drop-off of expired and unwanted medications is free and anonymous.
“Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused,” said DEA administrator Anne Milgram. “Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs.”
According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most who misuse prescription meds obtain them from a friend or family member. Drug overdose deaths rose 16 percent last year and reached 290 per day.
Drug Take Back Day has helped families rid their homes of expired or unwanted medications which often become a gateway to addiction. More than 15 million pounds of medication have been received over the past two decades, including tablets, capsules and patches. Liquids, syringes and illicit drugs are not accepted. Vaping devices and cartridges are accepted as long as lithium batteries are removed.
If you, or someone you know, needs help in fighting drug addiction, information about treatment can be found here. Info about year-round disposal is available here.
The DPD’s northeast station is at 9915 E. Northwest Highway.
