DEA Grows Prescription Drug Return Program

Last month, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that they would be executing a new directive that allows hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to collect prescription drugs that are unused.

This effort is part of the initiative to address the growing prescription drug abuse epidemic in the United States. According to Dianne Depra of Tech Times, “In 2013, the number of people taking prescription drugs without a valid medical reason ballooned to around 6.5 million individuals aged twelve years and above” (2014).

Michael Botticelli, the acting director of the National Drug Control Policy, stated that “removing unused painkillers from homes will prevent misuse and dependence from taking hold” (Depra, 2014).

References

Depra, D. (2014). US expands prescription drug return program. Retrieved from http://www.techtimes.com/articles/15194/20140909/u-s-expands-prescription-drugs-return-program.htm