Medication disposal day
Curious about how to coordinate a medication disposal day in your community? The below document provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the logistical and legal matters involved.
One dies every 19 minutes
It’s true — every 19 minutes, one American dies from an unintentional drug overdose. And we aren’t talking about illegal street drugs — we’re talking about prescription drugs found right in your own medicine cabinet. The fact is, more Americans die from prescription drug abuse than cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin combined.
Statistics
- Between 6 and 7 million Americans have abused prescription medications in the past month.
- Nearly 7,000 Americans initiate medication misuse or abuse every day.
- Everyday, approximately 2,500 young people between 12 and 17 years of age abuse a prescription painkiller for the first time.
- Four out of the top five drugs abused by 12th graders are prescription or non-prescription medications.
