Medication Diversion in Correctional Facilities

August 7, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Medication diversion in correctional facilities has become a significant concern, contributing to the overall opioid epidemic in the United States. With opioid overdose on the rise, it is crucial to address the issue of diversion within jails and prisons. The large quantity of prescription medications present in these facilities, combined with the need for heightened security, creates an environment where inmates or staff may seek to divert drugs for illicit purposes.

To combat medication diversion, correctional officers and nurses work together to closely monitor patients during medication administration, employing various strategies to detect diversion tactics. Some inmates resort to techniques such as “cheeking” (hiding pills in their cheeks) or using sleight of hand to pocket medications while pretending to take them. Monitoring patients during medication administration is essential in preventing diversion and ensuring medication compliance.

Certain medications are more commonly targeted for diversion in correctional facilities, particularly those with psychoactive or sedative effects. These medication groups include stimulants like pseudoephedrine and albuterol, euphorics such as wellbutrin, trazodone, and gabapentin, sedatives like muscle relaxants and psychotropics, and psychedelics such as Benadryl, ditropin, and chlorpheniramine.

Protect Inmates and Staff Members

Inadequate drug disposal practices can pose risks to inmate health. Expired or unused medications that are not properly disposed of may end up in the wrong hands, leading to misuse, overdose, and adverse health effects. By safely disposing of medications, you help protect the well-being and safety of inmates and staff. Drug diversion can compromise the overall security and order within a correctional facility. It can lead to increased violence, addiction among inmates, and disruptions in daily operations. By implementing proper drug disposal procedures and reducing the availability of medications for diversion, you contribute to a safer and more secure environment for both staff and inmates.

Rx Destroyer for Correctional Facilities

To prevent diversion, jails and prisons need to establish standardized procedures for medication administration that prioritize security with Rx Destroyer lockboxes, monitoring, and documentation. The layout of the medication room should be designed to minimize opportunities for diversion, controlled intake protocols should be implemented, and thorough inventory management should be maintained. Additionally, proper drug disposal procedures are crucial to ensure that unwanted or expired medications do not contribute to diversion. Unfortunately, some facilities still resort to unsafe practices like flushing pharmaceutical waste down the drain, which is not only illegal but also poses environmental risks.

By utilizing Rx Destroyer, the unwanted medications are deemed irretrievable, meeting DEA regulations for pharmaceutical waste disposal. Overall, implementing Rx Destroyer drug disposal system in your correctional facility is essential to combat drug diversion, ensure compliance, protect inmate health, safeguard the environment, and enhance facility security. It is a proactive step towards creating a controlled and safe environment that promotes the well-being of both inmates and staff members.