April 24th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, but what does that mean? For many, it is about going to their medicine cabinets and clearing out all the expired and unused medication. The goal of the day, though, is to address an increasingly troubling public health problem, prescription drug abuse. If you’re suffering from an addiction to prescription drugs, Drug Take-Back Day is an excellent opportunity to choose to get into recovery. For more information about your treatment options, please call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356.
Why Is Prescription Take-Back Necessary?
In the United States, over nine million people misuse prescription drugs. In other words, they take them in a way not intended by the healthcare professional who prescribed them. They might take opioid pain medication, for example, to get high. Drugs like Xanax and OxyContin are party drugs for young people, as well.
Studies show that often these drugs come from family and friends. They might be the pills you got for pain after your back surgery or the anxiety medication you took a year ago. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors prescription take-back as a way to return that unused medication so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
Where Does the Prescription Take-Back Happen?
So, where can you take the prescription medication after you collect it? The most common location is the local pharmacy. Many serve as prescription drop-off centers. In Texas, local law enforcement and sheriff’s offices take back prescription drugs that contain narcotics or other controlled substances. You call the local office and find out how they want you to turn the medication to them.
At certain times of the year, like on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there may be one-day drop-off sites set up around the area, too. They may be at local universities or healthcare centers. Maybe a fire station may set up a drop-off box or a business.
There are also mail-back programs. You can get a mail-back package from your doctor, pharmacy, or a local police station. If you decide to participate in the mail-back program, you will need a mail-back package designed for this purpose. They are postage-paid and have unique identifying numbers.
What Happens After Prescription Take-Back?
No one has to worry about getting in trouble if they turn in prescription medication. The program is confidential and offers a haven regardless of how you might have obtained the drugs. The names on the bottles are confidential, as well.
If you take back drugs that you abuse, then it is time to think about treatment, especially if you experience withdrawal without the medication. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is a detox center that can help you break free from prescription drug abuse.
Detox is the first step in any recovery plan and one of the most difficult. By opting to go through withdrawal in a program such as Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, you allow yourself to get the help you need to control your withdrawal.
Withdrawal occurs as your body attempts to balance after you stop using a drug or drinking alcohol. It can be unpleasant and even dangerous at times.
Learn More with Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston allows you to go through it in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and under the supervision of addiction specialists. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston offers:
Once you complete your detox, you are ready to enter a treatment program. Managed detox builds the foundation for your recovery, so you know you are going on to drug addiction treatment clear-headed and ready to work.
Prescription take-back is a great way to clean out the medicine cabinet. If that means getting rid of drugs that you might depend on, give us a call at 866.516.8356 or fill out our online contact form.
