Get rid of your opioids, other drugs, on National Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day photo courtesy of Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained through family and friends. Don’t be an involuntary drug dealer. Turn in leftover medication to designated collection sites on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 28. 

During a White House speech on Thursday, where President Trump officially announced the opioid epidemic as a public emergency, he promoted the take back day event. 

“I am urging all Americans to help fight this opioid epidemic and the broader issue of drug addiction by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back day this Saturday. When you can safely turn in these dangerous and horrible drugs for disposal, that will be a wonderful, wonderful period of time for you.” Trump said.

The dangers of pharmaceutical drugs are comparable to street drugs when used without a prescription or taken without doctor’s supervision. And the majority of teens abusing prescription drugs get them from the supply of family or friends, generally from the medicine cabinet, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

Unused prescription drugs are a major safety issue that can lead to abuse or death from an overdose or accidental poisoning. 

You can drop off unwanted or expired medication between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at locations in all 50 states. To find a collection site near you, visit the Diversion Control Division page of the DEA website.