As personal injury lawyers, we know many of our clients are prescribed painkillers to deal with the pain caused by their injuries. Opioid painkillers serve a purpose and provide much needed immediate relief from pain.
While pain management is paramount to the healing process, they are often over-prescribed. Prescriptions are typically dispensed in 30, 60 or 90 day supplies. Frequently, a person’s pain levels decrease substantially within the first ten days. Some patients are able to transition to over-the-counter medications or natural remedies to manage their pain. Any leftover prescription painkillers sit in home medicine cabinets, where they can end up in the wrong hands.
According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs. The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The DEA hosts National RX Drug Take-Back Days as a way for people to safely – and anonymously – dispose of any unwanted prescription medications. These events allow Americans to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The next national take-back event will be held on Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a list of collection sites throughout Metropolitan St. Louis, click here. If you don’t see a site near you, search the collection site locator again – as new sites are continually added.
