During the COVID-19 health crisis, it’s more important than ever to remove the risk and keep your loved ones safe. Unused prescription drugs can be dangerous, especially for children, teens and even pets. Misused medications can lead to accidental overdose or addiction.
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. The Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
A variety of print and digital resource are available in the DEA Drug Take Back Partnership Toolbox. Health care facilities and community stakeholders are encouraged to utilize these promotional elements to prevent opioid addiction and other adverse drug events. A record amount of prescriptions drugs have been turned in safely and anonymously thanks to the increased awareness of the DEA Take Back effort.
When individuals are prescribed opioids, there are three key strategies to remember:
- LOCK: Keep medication out of sight and in a safe and secure place.
- MONITOR: Keep track of medication and take only as directed, never sharing the medication.
- TAKE BACK: Find a Take Back center or program in your community. If a Take Back program is not available, medications can be placed in an opaque container mixed with coffee grounds or kitty litter and thrown in the garbage.
Find local North Dakota Take Back locations. The North Dakota Behavioral Health also has excellent information and resources on statewide and community efforts.
The Avoid Opioid SD website contains valuable testimonials, data, and resources to help prevent opioid misuse and addiction. The site includes Take Back location sites, information on medicine lock boxes and how to receive RX disposal packets.
Source: Q Insider | April 11, 2022