For a moment, consider that one of the most dangerous drugs in the United States is 100% legal. As we have seen in recent reports, the Opioid Crisis is fueled by illegal synthetics like heroin, but, unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people develop an addiction or abuse problems due to one simple addictive: painkillers. As of 2015, an estimated 2 million Americans (12 years and up) suffered from addiction to prescription opioids, while approximately 117,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses. In an attempt to combat the growing crisis in the United States, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has developed a program that, for the most part, has been showing great promise. However, on this 16th semiannual Drug Take-Back Day, the DEA has experienced its most astounding numbers yet. Let’s take a closer look at how the agency achieved a milestone this October.
Surpassing the Goal
With the vast participation of Americans across the country, the Drug Enforcement Agency and its partners have officially cleared their 10-million pound goal. Over the course of 16 Drug Take Back events, the organization has collected an estimated 11 million pounds of expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs. However, the DEA surpassed expectations on October 27, 2018, when it recorded 900,000 pounds of prescription meds at 6,000 nationwide sites. With the assistance of 5,000 partners (federal, state, and local), the organization singlehandedly destroyed 457 ton of drugs that could have posed a serious threat to users.
As of Fall 2010, the amount of drugs collected by the DEA has totaled 5439.5 tons (10,878,950 pounds).
Impact on the Opioid Crisis
According to Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, these results demonstrate the importance of Drug Take Back events in combatting the Opioid Crisis and reflect the DEA’s determination to fight this issue head-on. Overall, the National Drug Take-Back Day events remove dangerous drugs from homes, where these substances pose a significant threat to children and young teens. Likewise, this semiannual event not only destroys harmful substances but also creates awareness for the dangers of opioids altogether.
Always remember that opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
