Alabamians safely dispose of over 4,000 pounds of medication on Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Alabama residents safely disposed of 4,105 pounds of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications on April 27’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The event, which occurs twice a year, encourages residents to get rid of medications they no longer have a use for. It is intended to prevent overdoses on prescription pills, medication misuse, and medication abuse.

According to data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 16 million Americans misuse prescriptions per year and over 43 percent of first-time users abuse painkillers. The study shows that 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.

“By collecting unwanted and expired medications, we’re keeping them out of the hands of children and others who could accidentally or intentionally harm themselves,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, President of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Days help make our communities safer and healthier by ensuring medications are disposed of responsibly.”

Since the event was created 15 years ago, 123,000 pounds of unwanted or expired medications in Alabama have been responsibly disposed of.

Across the country, this year’s event collected 670,136 pounds of medication.