National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to Remove Unneeded Prescriptions, Prevent Addiction

          DETROIT – The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its 25^th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

          For more than a decade, Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired.  These medications can be a gateway to addiction, and have helped fuel the opioid epidemic.  According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who use a prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend.

        “I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded medications to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “The Take Back campaign is part of DEA’s continued efforts to combat the drug poisoning epidemic and protect the safety and health of communities.”

          The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the U.S., more than 110,000 American lives were lost to drug poisonings and overdose in 2022.

          DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. The event will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.

          A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at close to 15,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year. In addition, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.

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