More than six million Americans abuse prescription drugs, this according to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study also revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs helps prevent abuse and helps keep pharmaceuticals out of landfills and waterways. More than 280 locations throughout California will be accepting unused prescription drugs, including controlled substances, as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2013.

The event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. The last National Take Back Day held this past April collected 371 tons of prescription medications nationwide.

Physicians can take action by encouraging their patients to participate. To find a Take Back Day collection site near your practice, click here.

CMA has also produced a flyer to educate patients about proper disposal of prescription medication and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which can be placed in offices and waiting rooms. It is available here.

Visit the DEA website to get drug disposal information and locate collection sites. The event lasts from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. time.

Contact: Scott Clark, (916) 551-2887 or sclark@cmadocs.org.