In late April, the Drug Enforcement Administration hosted the 2019 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day throughout the country, accepting old and unused prescription pills at police departments and various other collection sites.
This annual event is meant to help fight substance use disorders. A 2017 national survey concluded that six million Americans are abusing prescription pills, many of which were stolen from the home of family and friends, making events like this one that encourage the surrender of prescription drugs potentially lifesaving.
In addition, events like this help to remove the risk of prescription pill misuse and lower the number of pills available in the open market that are not controlled once prescribed. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in October 2018 had over 4,700 law enforcement offices from around the country participate with over 5,000 collection sites. On that day, the total weight of drugs collected was 914,236 pounds!
Programs like this encourage the safe disposal of these unused drugs while continuing to educate the public about the serious risks of sharing and irresponsibly disposing of drugs.
Turning Point of Tampa’s goal is to always provide a safe environment and a solid foundation in 12-Step recovery, in tandem with quality individual therapy and groups. We have been offering Licensed Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis in Tampa since 1987.
