WASHINGTON – Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. To help fight this widespread abuse, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is encouraging Arkansans to participate in Arkansas Take Back and get expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs out of the home. 

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing danger. Providing a safe option to dispose of old or unneeded medication helps reduce the risk of developing addictions to prescription drugs,” Boozman said.

More than 130 collection sites across Arkansas will take old and unneeded prescription drugs. This is part of a nationwide initiative, National Drug Take-Back Day, to return and dispose of prescription drugs and curb their abuse. In Arkansas, more than 33 tons of unneeded medications have been collected since 2010. 

National Drug Take-Back Day’s success encouraged Boozman and other senators to use it as a model to help address the issue of prescription drug abuse among our nation's servicemembers and veterans. The Servicemembers and Veterans Prescription Drug Safety Act would direct the Attorney General to establish drug take-back programs in coordination with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  

“I’m especially concerned about our veterans’ abuse of prescription drugs. That’s why I’m working with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to create a connected network of VA pharmacies to protect against potential abuse and correct the practice of overprescribing pain medication. Drug take-back programs are an important tool to breaking this cycle of addiction for our veterans and all prescription drug abusers,” Boozman said. 

The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Similar legislation was introduced in the House. 

Click here to find drop off locations in Arkansas.