Valley Spring Recovery Center in New Jersey is proud to support National Prescription Take Back Day, an important initiative aimed at promoting the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications. Organized by the DEA, this event plays a large role in addressing the misuse of prescription drugs, a major concern in New Jersey. In 2021, the state saw over 3,000 overdose deaths, many involving prescription opioids and other controlled substances.
By participating in National Prescription Take Back Day, individuals help reduce the availability of potentially dangerous medications, minimizing the risk of addiction and overdose. Valley Spring Recovery Center is dedicated to this effort as part of its broader mission to combat the opioid crisis and promote recovery. Additionally, proper disposal protects the environment, ensuring medications do not contaminate local ecosystems.
Through awareness and safe disposal opportunities, this initiative empowers communities across New Jersey to take a stand against drug abuse and contribute to a healthier, safer environment.
What is National Prescription Take Back Day?
National Prescription Take Back Day is a nationwide initiative designed to provide a safe and responsible way for people to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this event helps prevent drug misuse and ensures that potentially harmful substances don’t fall into the wrong hands, reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for October 26, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM local time at locations nationwide.
For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Bergen County near Valley Spring Recovery Center, several locations are participating on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Some nearby collection sites include:
- Bergen County Sheriff’s Office – Hackensack, NJ
- Paramus Police Department – Paramus, NJ
- Fair Lawn Police Department – Fair Lawn, NJ
- Ridgewood Police Department – Ridgewood, NJ
These locations will be accepting unwanted or expired prescription medications for safe disposal. You can check for more specific sites or updated information by visiting the DEA’s Collection Site Locator on their official website.
What is the Link Between Unused Prescription Drugs and Drug Addiction?
The link between unused prescription drugs and drug addiction is significant, as medications left unused in households are often misused by others, leading to dependency. Many individuals begin their path to addiction by accessing leftover medications from family members or friends, which can include opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. Proper disposal of these drugs helps prevent the initial misuse that may lead to addiction.
According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 3.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported currently misusing prescription pain relievers. Of these individuals, about 53% obtained the medications from friends or relatives, either with or without their knowledge. This statistic shows the need for education about proper disposal of unused prescription medications.
How Communities Play a Role in Preventing Drug Addiction?
Communities play a role in preventing drug addiction by promoting education, offering support resources, and providing safe disposal methods for prescription drugs. Through initiatives like drug take-back programs, public awareness campaigns, and access to treatment services, communities work together to reduce the stigma of addiction, support those in recovery, and prevent the spread of substance abuse.
Here are 20 ways the community plays a role in preventing drug addiction:
- Implementing drug take-back programs and promoting safe disposal methods
- Organizing public awareness campaigns about the risks of drug abuse
- Providing education in schools about substance abuse prevention
- Offering support groups and resources for those struggling with addiction
- Ensuring access to mental health services and addiction treatment
- Training local healthcare providers on proper prescribing practices
- Supporting youth development programs and after-school activities
- Collaborating with law enforcement to reduce drug trafficking
- Creating drug-free community coalitions
- Promoting job training and employment opportunities
- Establishing neighborhood watch programs
- Offering family support services and parenting classes
- Implementing evidence-based prevention programs in schools and community centers
- Providing naloxone training and distribution to prevent overdose deaths
- Supporting recovery-friendly workplaces and housing initiatives
- Organizing community events that promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles
- Advocating for policies that address social determinants of health
- Developing peer support networks for those in recovery
- Creating safe spaces for youth to socialize without drugs or alcohol
- Partnering with local media to share positive stories of recovery and prevention efforts
How You Can Participate in National Take Back Day?
You can participate in National Prescription Take Back Day by spreading awareness, securing medications, talking to the community, and locating a site near you. National Prescription Take Back Day is an important way to help prevent drug misuse and protect your community from the dangers of unused medications.
Getting involved is simple and effective, whether you’re cleaning out your medicine cabinet or spreading awareness.
- Locate a Collection Site
Find a nearby collection site through the DEA’s website to safely drop off your unused or expired medications. Many local pharmacies and community centers participate in the event. - Spread Awareness
Share information about Take Back Day with your friends, family, and social media networks to encourage others to participate. - Secure Medications Until Drop-Off
Keep unused medications in a secure location at home until you can properly dispose of them during Take Back Day to prevent misuse or accidental ingestion. - Talk to Your Community
Engage with local organizations, schools, or community groups to promote safe prescription drug disposal and raise awareness of the dangers of misuse.
What is the Impact of Take Back Day?
The impact of Take Back Day has been profound in helping to prevent drug addiction and overdose by reducing the availability of unused prescription medications. Millions of pounds of medications have been collected since the program’s inception, keeping them out of homes and reducing the risk of abuse. Additionally, this event raises public awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse, promoting safer communities and supporting long-term prevention efforts.
According to the DEA, in April 2024 alone, the event collected 670,136 pounds (335 tons) of medications nationwide. Since the initiative began in 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its law enforcement partners have collected nearly 16 million pounds of prescription drugs through Take Back Day events. The total amount of medications collected has now surpassed 18.5 million pounds (9.285 tons). During the April 2022 event, over 720,000 pounds of unneeded medications were dropped off at 5,144 collection sites.
How to Continue the Effort Beyond Take Back Day?
To continue the effort beyond Take Back Day, individuals should regularly clean out their medicine cabinets, participate in year-round prescription drug disposal programs, and advocate for proper medication management.
Supporting local drug education programs and encouraging safe prescribing practices among healthcare providers also helps sustain the momentum of Take Back Day. Communities stay vigilant by organizing more events or by working with pharmacies and law enforcement to establish ongoing disposal options.
To continue the effort beyond Take Back Day, here are more detailed actions individuals and communities can take:
- Regular medicine cabinet cleanouts:
- Set reminders to review medications every 3-6 months
- Check expiration dates and properly dispose of outdated medications
- Remove unused or unnecessary prescriptions promptly
- Year-round disposal programs:
- Utilize permanent drug drop-off boxes at local police stations or pharmacies
- Participate in mail-back programs offered by some pharmacies or health departments
- Use FDA-approved at-home disposal methods for certain medications
- Advocate for proper medication management:
- Encourage healthcare providers to prescribe only necessary quantities
- Support policies that promote electronic prescribing to reduce fraud
- Promote safe storage practices, such as using locked medicine cabinets
- Support local drug education programs:
- Volunteer for or donate to organizations that provide substance abuse education
- Encourage schools to implement evidence-based drug prevention curricula
- Participate in community forums on prescription drug safety
- Encourage safe prescribing practices:
- Support continuing education for healthcare providers on opioid prescribing guidelines
- Advocate for the use of prescription drug monitoring programs
- Promote alternative pain management strategies when appropriate
- Establish ongoing disposal options:
- Work with local pharmacies to set up year-round collection sites
- Collaborate with law enforcement to maintain secure drop-off locations
- Support initiatives for drug take-back events at community centers or schools
- Community vigilance:
- Form neighborhood watch groups focused on prescription drug safety
- Use social media to share information about local disposal options
- Organize community-led awareness campaigns about the dangers of prescription drug misuse
- Partner with local businesses:
- Encourage employers to include prescription drug safety in workplace wellness programs
- Collaborate with local media to regularly feature stories on safe medication disposal
- Work with senior centers to provide education on medication management for older adults
How did National Take Back Day start and how has it grown over the years?
National Prescription Take Back Day was first launched by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2010 as a response to the rising opioid epidemic and the increasing misuse of prescription medications. The initiative began as a one-day event to encourage the public to safely dispose of unused or expired medications, preventing them from being misused or ending up in the wrong hands.
Since its inception, the event has grown significantly, with thousands of collection sites across the country. It has expanded from a single-day event to include year-round disposal options at participating pharmacies and law enforcement offices. Millions of pounds of prescription drugs have been collected, showcasing the growing public awareness of the need for proper medication disposal.
What are The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse in Our Communities?
The dangers of prescription drug abuse include addiction, overdose, and even death. The availability of unused medications in homes also increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion or diversion for illicit use, especially among teens and young adults. Addressing this issue is important for public health and safety.
The dangers of the prescription drug abuse are listed below:
- Increased Risk of Addiction
Misusing prescription drugs, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, raises the likelihood of developing a physical and psychological dependency, leading to long-term health issues and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. - Overdose and Accidental Poisoning
Taking excessive doses or mixing prescription medications with other substances increases the risk of life-threatening overdoses. Unsecured medications in homes also result in accidental poisoning, particularly in children or vulnerable individuals. - Higher Rates of Drug-Related Crimes
Prescription drug misuse contributes to crimes such as theft, illegal distribution, and trafficking. Individuals addicted to these medications often resort to illicit activities to sustain their addiction, increasing crime rates in communities. - Strain on Healthcare and Emergency Services
The surge in prescription drug overdoses and addiction-related health issues overwhelms emergency rooms, rehab centers, and law enforcement, putting a strain on healthcare and emergency resources. - Negative Impact on Families and Relationships
Addiction causes significant strain on families, leading to emotional distress, financial instability, and breakdowns in trust. This often results in damaged relationships and overall negative effects on family dynamics.
What are the Common Medications Collected on National Take Back Day?
The common medications collected on take back day include opioids, benzos, stimulants, antidepressants and cough syrups.
Here are the common medications that are collected on National Take Back Day:
- Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone): Powerful pain relievers that are often misused for their euphoric effects. In 2018, nearly 90% of drug overdoses in New Jersey involved opioids, resulting in 2,583 deaths, while opioid prescription rates were lower than the national average, and heroin and other opioids accounted for a significant portion of substance abuse treatment admissions.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium): Medications prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders that carry a high risk of dependency. Benzodiazepines were listed as contributing to the cause of death in nearly a quarter 24% of Bergen County, NJ drug-related deaths.
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin): Medications used to treat ADHD, commonly misused for their stimulating effects. The New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJ-SAMS) reported that in 2019, 1.2% of all substance abuse treatment admissions in the state listed amphetamines (including Adderall) as the primary drug of abuse.
- Antidepressants (e.g., Zoloft, Prozac): Often collected to prevent improper disposal or misuse. Antidepressants become particularly dangerous when combined with other drugs, especially alcohol.
- Cough Syrups containing Codeine: Frequently misused for their sedative and euphoric effects. According to Ware, O. et. al. 2024 “Codeine and promethazine: Exploratory study on “lean” or “sizzurp” using national survey data and an online forum” published by the National Library of Medicine, the NSDUH data indicated that lean use was most prevalent among teenagers and young adults (ages 13–21), accounting for 66%.
How Do Local Communities Benefit from Take Back Day?
Local communities benefit from Take Back Day because of the following:
- Reduces Prescription Drug Misuse: Safely removing medications from homes reduces the risk of abuse and addiction in the community.
- Prevents Environmental Contamination: Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drugs from polluting water systems and the environment.
- Raises Awareness: The event educates the public on the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of proper disposal.
- Supports Law Enforcement: Take Back Day provides a safe, legal means of disposing of medications, helping law enforcement prevent drug diversion.
What are Some Tips for Safe Storage of Prescription Medications Year-Round?
The tips for safe storage of prescription medications include:
- Store Medications in a Secure Location: Keep prescription medications in a locked cabinet or a safe, out of reach of children and others.
- Keep Medications in Their Original Containers: This prevents confusion about dosage and helps ensure that the medication’s information is easily accessible.
- Track Your Medications: Keep a log of when and how much medication you have, so you can quickly identify if anything is missing.
- Dispose of Unused Medications Regularly: Don’t wait for Take Back Day—use local disposal options to get rid of expired or unused medications.
- Avoid Sharing Medications: Never share your prescription medications with others, even if they have similar symptoms or conditions.
