DEA Rx Disposal Strategy

The 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers obtain them from friends or family.
 
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposal to better regulate the disposal of controlled substances could help reduce that percentage; since many of these abusers are searching medicine cabinets for unused meds prescribed to someone they know. The plan would grant more options for law enforcement and manufacturers to conduct take-back events, mail-back programs and establish collection box locations.
 
At the state level, California is now requiring pharmaceutical companies to financially back and administrate a statewide drug take-back program. While these initiatives are typically run by the government, this new law will create the first program that puts the onus on drug companies.