A:
Prescription pain drugs are the second-most commonly abused category of drugs in the U.S.
- When used as directed, prescription drugs are safe and effective.
- When abused, prescription drugs can be dangerous, addictive and deadly.
The availability of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs are a major contributor to prescription drug abuse. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, more than 70% of prescription pain drug abuse involved drugs obtained from a friend or relative, and nearly one third of suicide attempts among veterans involve prescription medication. Our beneficiaries can reduce these risks by safely disposing their drugs through the MHS Drug Take Back program.