Drug take-back program reduces abuse risk

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA., - --  Individuals will be able to safely dispose of prescription medicines in a no-questions asked drug take-back event, to be held at the Exchange April 23 and 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The 2nd Security Forces Squadron and the 2nd Medical Group Drug Demand Office will collect expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs in an effort to rid individuals and households of a potential safety hazard.

The program aims not only to lower personal health risks, but also environmental risks.

"We only collect the drugs; the Drug Enforcement Administration will safely dispose of them in order to curb prescription drug abuse," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Anthis, 2nd SFS police services clerk.

When drugs are flushed, drug residue may end up in surface water, such as rivers or lakes, and can even be found in the community's drinking water supply, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The take-back program also aims to prevent prescription drug abuse, which is when individuals take medicine prescribed for someone else, take incorrect dosages or use prescription medication for unintended purposes.

"Pill abuse in the U.S. is increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs," said Airman 1st Class Emily Klunk, 2nd Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. "The service is free and anonymous."

Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm. D., FDA deputy director of the Office of Compliance, advises individuals prior to turning in prescription medications, all identifiable information should be scratched out in order to help protect their identity and privacy of personal health information.

The FDA encourages individuals to use drug take-back programs and periodically sponsors National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies.

Last year, 309 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and disposed of from individuals on Barksdale.

For more information, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.