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April 28 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an important issue for adults and teens. Here's why:
-- From a press release I received on the initiative:
Drug Enforcement Administration officials say that more than 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, many of which come from old prescriptions that were not properly disposed.
Do your local substance-abuse agencies say prescription abuse is more common than other types of drug abuse? Is any one age group more likely to abuse prescription drugs? Where can readers get help if they or someone they know is abusing prescription drugs? What are the signs, and are they different in teens and adults?
-- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say prescription drugs are now involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined. What do local health-care professionals advise about storing and getting rid of old prescriptions? Are "childproof" caps trustworthy? What should you do for older relatives who need easier caps to get on and off?
-- Tell readers how, why and when to get rid of expired medications. Some labels have this advice, or find out local sites participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Some people keep using their meds after they've expired because they're expensive -- is this dangerous?
-- Make sure readers know how to get prescription drug insurance coverage if it isn't offered by their workplaces, or if they are out of work.
