Gateway: How to Safely Dispose Your Unwanted Presciption Meds

Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
1 in 7 high school students reported misusing prescription opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Study.

Adolescents are able to obtain prescription medication in a variety ways. One of the main avenues is through a written prescription following a surgery. Recent research found that young people who received an opioid prescription following a dental surgery were more likely to later be diagnosed with opioid misuse than their counterparts who did not receive a prescription. One of the most common surgeries people have in their life is the removal of their wisdom teeth, which many people undergo while they are young. In many cases, this is their first exposure to painkillers. Knowing and understanding the signs and symptoms of prescription drug misuse during this time is extremely important.

In addition to procuring painkillers after being prescribed them, many are able to take or steal medication through a family member or friend. Easy access to prescription drugs has played a major role in the current opioid crisis and this type of access makes them more susceptible to an opioid use disorder.  


Saturday, April 27th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The current opioid crisis is highlighting the importance of safely disposing of any leftover prescription drugs.

To find a collection site near you, click here.

 
About Gateway Foundation
Since 1968 our goal has been straightforward: to help clients get their life back on track and achieve a life of sobriety, free from drug use and symptoms of mental illness, that is productive, socially responsible and healthy. Gateway Foundation is the largest nonprofit treatment provider in the country that specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders, providing treatment for men, women, adolescents and clients diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders.

Gateway's professional clinicians help thousands of individuals successfully complete treatment by developing a personalized plan that treats the underlying causes of substance abuse—not just addiction to drugs or alcohol.


 
Call 877.505.HOPE (4673)
to learn more about our treatment programs.

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