HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs in 2018 alone.
Every year in April, people across the country gather up their unused prescription drugs and give them back! Because of COVID-19, that’s being put on hold. But, you can still make a difference.
When April 25th rolls around, hundreds of locals get ready for the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It won't be happening this year because of COVID-19. But, you can still give yours back and help save lives.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
We spoke with Wendy Reeves, of Partnership for a Drug Free Community in Huntsville. She tells us, “Addiction, or we call it substance abuse disorder as well. Because it is a disease, just like heart disease or diabetes or anything like that. When people are doing this, it’s because of the sickness that they have. And when they’re in that situation when they’re wanting drugs, they’re going to do whatever it takes to try to find them. That means they’re going to go through your drawers and medicine cabinets to find them.”
But, there is a way you can continue to get rid of your old prescription drugs. Reeves adds, “Put it in a bag and take them to one of the drop off locations...Drop boxes, they take them and they’re properly destroyed.”
Prescription Drug Drop Boxes have collected 27 thousand pounds of medication over the years. Keeping old medications around could be dangerous for you as well. Reeves tells us, “I know some people who have expired antibiotics, they’ve had for years. And you definitely shouldn’t take expired antibiotics. Any expired medication really. Once it’s expired, it’s time to get rid of it.”
At locations like Huntsville Police Department on Wheeler Ave, and other places, the drop off boxes are kept secure. And even during COVID-19, you can drop by while running your other errands and drop things off quickly. Reeves adds, “When you have prescriptions that are not being used, it’s better just to go ahead and clean them out.”
It could make all the difference. Wendy Reeves tells us, “That gets them off the street, gets them out of the hands of people that could use them and harm themselves or others.”
For a list of locations for the drop off boxes in our area, click HERE.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.
Crisis Services North Alabama 256-716-1000 or 1-800-691-8426
Alabama Help for Opioid Addiction 24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 courageforall.com