Overview from August 1, 2015 take-back event--
The Division of Pain Research (Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan) and the Ann Arbor Police Department partnered together to host their first community Pain Medication Take-Back event on Saturday, August 1, 2015 with the following results:
- Almost 30 pounds of pills (without containers, just pills)
- ~25,000 pills
- 3700+ pills of controlled substances
- 7500 pills of anti-depressant, sleep aids, stimulants, adjunctive pain meds
While the total number of pills is great, we hope that we have helped to highlight an important problem and make people more conscious of how they handle their controlled substances.
Prescription drug abuse is one of the fastest growing trends among our young teens today and is the second most abused substance behind marijuana. Many teens mistakenly view prescriptions as a medically safe way to get high. Pain relievers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin are most commonly abused and teens can get these easily from their homes.
What to do with unwanted, expired or unused medicines in your home?
- Dispose of through a Washtenaw County Prescription Drop-Off Program - dontflushdrugs.com
- Secure your medicine
- Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse
Links with additional information:
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Washtenaw County Drop-off Locations
