According to the CDC, 142 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed in the U.S. in 2020. Yet research shows that up to 70% of opioids prescribed for post-surgical use are leftover and unused.
Over the last year, more than 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States — the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded. We know that opioid dependence often starts in the home, and that the medicine cabinet is the #1 source for prescription drugs for children.
Do Your Part to Help Combat Substance Use Disorder
You have the power to destroy unused and expired prescription drugs, keeping them out of the wrong hands, avoiding intentional and unintentional misuse, and protecting the environment at the same time.
We can and must take action to educate the public about the risks of unfettered access to unused medication and provide a safe solution for their disposal. While National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this April 22, an at-home disposal program is a critical step to preventing misuse of prescription drugs.
At-Home Disposal Providers
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Safe medication disposal is the responsibility of every household, and it is a non-negotiable to have at-home solutions available, especially in light of the current pandemic. We all have the power to make everyday drug take back day.
Additional Resources
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PageJoin the No Shame Movement
Join our national movement to combat stigma, because there’s No Shame in getting help for mental health and addiction. -
ResourceLessons Learned: Talking to Young Children about a Loved One’s Substance Use
SAFE Project encourages families to start talking about substance use and mental health challenges with children at a young age. -
PageSAFE Choices:
Serving Youth & Young AdultsPrioritizing the advancement of youth substance use prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.