The IAA One Minute Blog

On April 28, 2012, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be sponsoring its fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The event scheduled from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, will allow community members to drop off their expired and unwanted prescription and over the counter medications at locations nationwide. The event will help shed light on a vital public health issue.

Startling Statistics

Prescription drug abuse has become one of the Nation's fastest growing problems. The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed prescription drug use is alarmingly high with 16 million Americans age 12 and older having taken prescription medication for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. A 2010 survey found that 2 million people age 12 and older began to use prescription pain relievers for non-medical reasons. One of the best ways to lower these statistics is to learn all the facts about prescription drug abuse.

Look for the Signs and Symptoms

Did you know the majority of abused prescription medications are obtained from family and friends? It makes you second guess if you should offer a friend medicine from your medicine cabinet. Don't be scared, be informed!

The most commonly abused drugs are:

• Painkillers
• Sedatives for anxiety and sleep disorders
• Stimulants for hyperactivity (ADHD)

When you look through your medicine cabinet, check to see if you have any of these prescriptions or over the counter medications. Do you still need them? Are they expired? If you don't need them and they're expired, dispose of them! Don't let your family or friends become victims of this growing epidemic.

The signs and symptoms of drug abuse depend on the drug:

• Painkillers-Depression, low blood pressure, and confusion
• Sedatives/Tranquilizers-Drowsiness, confusion, unsteady gait, poor judgment, and involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball
• Stimulants-Weight loss, agitation, irritability, insomnia, and irregular heartbeat

Insurance Administrator of America is not saying that by having one or more of these symptoms you or someone you know is abusing prescription medication. IAA wants to share the warning signs so you can help someone in the future.

Talk to Your Teen

According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription drug abuse is especially common in young people. Teens believe that prescription drugs are a safer alternative to street drugs. Sit down and talk to your teen about prescription drug abuse. One of the best methods of prevention is open communication.

What IAA has to Say

In the past three Take-Back Days combined, 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of prescription medication was collected. Help fight this growing trend by properly disposing of your prescription and over the counter medications on Saturday, April 28. Let's fight this problem together!

Contact IAA for help finding drug treatment centers or counseling services. All phone calls are confidential. Please pass along this blog post to employees, friends, and families to inform others about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

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