Drug Disposal in the Military for Veterans and Active Members
November 11, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
Drug Disposal in the Military
Military facilities, especially hospitals, have a great need to dispose of drugs safely. Military service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries may all receive pharmaceuticals from military facilities. In 2009, military physicians wrote almost 3.8 million prescriptions for pain medication—showing just one aspect of how many medications the military deals with. Given the large scope of pharmaceuticals in the military system, it’s easy to see why the need exists for safe and secure drug disposal.
Why Do Military Members, Veterans, and Military Facilities Need Safe and Secure Drug Disposal?
Military service members and veterans have a unique need for medications related to pain management. In fact, two-thirds of veterans reported issues with pain and 9% complained of severe pain. This, in turn, presents a significant risk of misappropriation of protected substances and abuse.
The potential for substance abuse is particularly high among staff and service members due to the significant quantity of controlled substances, including opioids administered within the military. Analysis of medical and pharmacy claims as well as drug screening data has shown that almost one-third of active-duty service members have received a prescription for an opioid, central nervous-system depressant, or stimulant. This presents a high potential for misappropriation and abuse. Therefore, not only safe handling and storage but also disposal policies designed to prevent potential access by unauthorized individuals are necessary.
By implementing education of drug disposal practices, the military can promote responsible medication management, reduce the risk of substance use disorder, and prevent the diversion of prescription drugs. It is essential to maintain a strong focus on education, enforcement, and support to ensure the health and well-being of military personnel.
Comply with Legal Requirements
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among other federal and state agencies and lawmakers, place strong restrictions on the disposal of controlled substances. These legal requirements, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the DEA Rule on Disposal of Controlled Substances, provide strict regulations for collection and disposal.
The penalties for violating these requirements can be just as strict as the regulations. For example, penalties for violations of RCRA may be punishable by up to $81,540 per day for the facility in violation. Coupled with the potential penalties for violations of other disposal requirements, this can quickly amount to considerable penalties, necessitating safe and compliant disposal to prevent unnecessary fines.
Rx Destroyer Provides a Safe and Efficient Drug Disposal Method for the Military
RX Destroyer offers an effective, secure, and convenient solution for pharmaceutical waste management. It also has the flexibility military facilities need to meet their mission.
Military facilities have a strong need for convenient, safe, and secure disposal and destruction of drugs. This need has never been higher as prescription abuse and increasing environmental regulations pose increasing challenges. This is why Rx Destroyer is a key tool—every military facility should have a convenient and secure solution for drug disposal.
