Medication disposal box now available at security forces building Published April 30, 2014 By Lt. Col. Royce M. Terry 71st Diagnostics & Therapeutics Flight VANCE AIR FOCE BASE, Okla. -- Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to stockpiles of medicines in homes. Studies show that a majority of people who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from family and friends. In addition to abuse, an accumulation of medications poses a significant clinical concern as many people self-medicate or share their medications with family members. As we consider the prevalence and accessibility of medication in our daily lives, it's critical that we develop a culture where responsible medication disposal is equally accessible. To further this purpose, a permanent medications disposal box was installed in the lobby of Building 527, the Security Forces Squadron headquarters in April. The disposal box, which was opened for business April 25, is the recommended way to dispose of unwanted or unused medications, addressing a vital public safety and health concern. The box is the first of its kind in Air Education and Training Command, and was the result of the teamwork between the 71st Medical Group, 71st SFS, the 71st Flying Training Wing Drug Demand Reduction Office and PreventionWorkz, a non-profit organization. The location of the box, which was the subject of much debate, has been located with security forces so it can be monitored for tampering and is in line with the locations of similar drug disposal locations in civilian communities. Disposal of old meds has been a concern for many years. In the past, people often flushed pills down the toilet or tossed them in the trash. We know now that both methods pose potential safety and health hazards. In addition to addressing environmental, clinical and abuse concerns, the new disposal box also eliminates some military operational concerns. Similar to the nation's growing epidemic of drug abuse, the Defense Department Health Behaviors Survey found self-reported misuse of pain medication for non-medical purposes by servicemembers increased from 2 percent in 2002 to 7 percent in 2005 and 17 percent in 2008. This increased misuse represents and acute risk to military operations and families. Consequently the Secretary of Defense expanded DoD drug testing to include the testing for commonly abused prescription drugs. To help develop a culture where responsible medication disposal becomes a routine practice, the pharmacy encourages beneficiaries to utilize the disposal boxes any time they discontinue using a medication. Many times, whether due to changing health conditions, drug allergies or adverse drug reactions, our beneficiaries end up with partially used prescriptions. So instead of letting these items fill their medicine cabinets, they should drop them into the disposal box when no longer needed. When using the medication disposal box you are asked to follow a few simple guidelines: - Medications should be in their original containers when placed into the disposal box. - Liquid products, such as syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. Ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. - Remove or mark out your personal identifying information if it's on the container. - Do not place any inhalers, syringes or injectable in the disposal box. If at any time you're not sure how to properly dispose of you unwanted medications, please speak to a pharmacy representative.