National Drug Take Back Day at Laughlin Commissary

  • Published
  • By 47th Medical Support Squadron
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Laughlin Pharmacy and the 47th Security Forces Squadron are teaming up to support National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the commissary.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is designed to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential abuse of medications.

"This event is about helping the community understand how they can dispose of the old and unwanted drugs left in their cabinets safely," said Capt. Dekontee Traub, 47th Medical Support Squadron staff pharmacist. "We also want them to know that this is a safe and anonymous place to drop off their old prescription drugs. No names or bottle will be taken, just the medications."

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 8.9 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs. This comprises nonmedical users of psychotherapeutic drugs including, 4.9 million users of pain relievers, 1.2 million users of stimulants and 270,000 users of sedatives.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescriptions are easily obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

"There has been a serious increase in drug abuse over the years," said Maj. Daniel Oh, 47th MDSS Diagnostic and Therapeutic Flight commander. "Prescription drugs are far more accessible to the public than illegal drugs, especially to children. An event like this helps keep powerful drugs out of the reach of children."

For those that can't make it to the drug take back day booth at the commissary, there are other ways to safely dispose of prescription drugs, explained Traub. The easiest and most common way is to crush the medication and mix it with coffee grinds or kitty litter before tossing them in the trash.

"Some people don't how to properly dispose of drugs," said Traub. "You can't throw them into the trash and you can't flush them down toilets, because it harms the environment. It's important people know how to dispose of drugs in order to help prevent drug abuse."

Last year, Air Education and Training Command pharmacies successfully collected
2,201 pounds of unused and expired medications, and hopes are high that this year will be just as successful.

"I'm hoping the message gets out on prescription drug safety and that all of our beneficiaries take advantage of this chance to toss their old drugs out," said Oh.

For more information on the event, visit the DEA Division Control National Take-Back website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/, or call the Laughlin Pharmacy at 298-6451.