Saturday, April 28^th, 2018 will be recognized as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. A large percentage of those addicted to opiate addicts do not receive their pills from a doctor, but rather a family member’s medicine cabinet. As unused prescriptions are driving the opioid epidemic, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is more important than ever.

Not only are individuals and non-profits participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but so are large companies such as Walmart, Google, and your local police station. Several months ago Walmart began their initiative to reduce the number of unused prescription pills lingering in homes across the U.S. In January, Walmart began distributing gel solutions with every opioid prescription administered from one of their pharmacies. If left with excess pills, customers were encouraged to place the pills in the gel pouch, add water, and watch them dissolve into a worthless pile of sludge.

Ahead of National Prescription Take Back Day, Google added a link onto its homepage directing users to an article detailing the need for National Prescription Take Back Day.  Google explained as a company, it felt a social responsibility to donate some of its vast resources to the cause. Google created and published a nationwide interactive map displaying all pill disposal sites. In addition to Google’s map project, the search engine giant revealed its plans to fight the opioid crisis do not stop here. Google has collaborated with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to increase support for those on the frontline of this deadly epidemic. Finally, Google has implemented two new tools for those searching for drug facts. The tools trigger an immediate connection to a drug help hotline for anyone inquiring about addiction resources, or a legend answering questions about addictive prescriptions when prompted.

Experiencing the hurt and damage cause by opioids every day, police in particular are extending their arms out Saturday to reclaim as many prescriptions possible. During 2017’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, communities donated 456 tons of unwanted pills across the nation. If you are looking for more information about what your neighborhood is doing in particular for National Drug Take Back Day, visit https://www.blog.google/topics/public-policy/national-drug-take-back-day/.

Seabrook is a New Jersey based substance use rehab and co-occurring disorders treatment network. We have achieved an elite CARF accreditation status, ensuring that our rehab patients receive the highest quality treatment. We operate five behavioral health facilities in the Northeastern United States.  Our main rehab facility is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey, only a 90-minute drive from New York City (NYC).  Seabrook operates five outpatient facilities located in Bridgeton, NJ, Cherry Hill, NJ, Northfield, NJ, Morristown, NJ and Shrewsbury, NJ.  Contact the facility closest to you for further information or an in person assessment.  Our inpatient treatment accommodations offer both private and semi-private rooms with modern amenities.