Weekly Address From White House: Dispose of Your Expired and Unwanted Prescription Drugs
BY AMANDA STONE
Summary: The President speaks about the importance of preventing and treating substance use disorders on “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.”
In this week’s address, on “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” the President spoke about the importance of preventing and treating substance use disorders. Overdoses from prescription pain medications kill thousands of Americans every year, and more often than not, those drugs come from the family medicine cabinet. In addition, many heroin users started out by misusing prescription drugs. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and safely, conveniently, and responsibly dispose of expired and unwanted prescription drugs at collection sites throughout your community—no questions asked. Drug disposal programs are part of the President’s 2011 Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan, which also included increasing education for prescribers, expanding Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and pursuing Smart on Crime enforcement. In his address, the President called on us all to continue to work to reduce substance use disorders through evidence-based treatment, prevention, and recovery.
The prescription pain medication and heroin epidemic is claiming the lives of too many men, women, and young people.
You can help protect yourself and your loved ones from prescription drug misuse, heroin use and related overdoses:
Ask your doctor about prescription pain medication risks and use only as instructed.
Talk with your kids and family about prescription pain medication safety
Help prevent misuse by storing prescription pain medication safely and not sharing it with other people.
Learn where you can safely dispose of unused medications as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Get help for prescription pain medication and heroin use disorders by calling 1-800-662-HELP or by using the national treatment locator.