Prevent Opioid Abuse: Turn In Unused Medications

Unused prescriptions in home cabinets are at risk for misuse and abuse. Take action today.
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Prevent Opioid Abuse: Turn in Unused Medications
by SreyRam Kuy, MD, MHS, FACS and Addie Imseis, RN, BSN

Can one person make a difference? What can an individual do? This may be the only easy answer in the myriad of complexities involved in finding a solution to the opioid crisis.

The answer is simple: Turn in any unused prescription medication.

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Did you know that over 70% of people who abuse opioid prescriptions for the first time get those pills from a friend or family member? By turning in unused prescription medication on the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you remove the chance that those pills will be misused. Take Back Day is this Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. There are thousands of acceptance locations across the United States. Simply enter your zip code to find the nearest site.

This is a critical public health issue. Unused prescriptions in home cabinets are at risk for misuse and abuse. Take action today. Join Americans across the country in participating in Take Back Day this Saturday, October 22, 2016.

About the Authors:
SreyRam Kuy, MD, MHS, FACS
Chief Medical Officer, Medicaid, Louisiana Department of Health

Addie Imseis, RN, BSN
Clinical Policy Nurse, Medicaid, Louisiana Department of Health

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