With opioid abuse growing across Mississippi and the country, the Drug Enforcement Administration is offering a safe place for you to dispose of your unused, expired or unwanted prescription pills.
This Sunday, more than 45 locations across Mississippi will participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
According to an online statement by the DEA, “The day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications.”
According to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi is on the path to becoming “the most addicted state in the country.”
Opioids are pain relievers that, when abused, can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Mainstream opioids include: Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Codeine, Fentanyl and Heroin.
“In 2016, there were 3,574,662 prescriptions written for opioids. The 3.5 million-plus prescriptions resulted in 201,224,298 dosage units being dispensed,” said John Dowdy, the Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
That’s enough opioids prescriptions to hand out 60-plus pills to every living man, woman and child in Mississippi.
Each site participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No needles or liquids will be accepted.
Click here for the full list of locations participating in the event.
