Disposing Of Unwanted Opioids Via The Mail Can Work—If Done Correctly

Coming up with a way to safely dispose of unneeded prescription medications is one important step we can take to reduce drug abuse. I have had loved ones pass away from cancer and I can attest firsthand that the disposal of their drugs after their passing was a vexing problem and one that none of us were in much of a mood to soberly contemplate.

The FDA recently put forth a proposal to provide pre-paid envelopes that would allow people to mail unused drugs to a facility that can easily and safely dispose of them.

While I do believe that such a service can help reduce the availability of opioids and other drugs prone to abuse, I am not sure that this step alone is sufficient. The problem is that increasing the amount of opioids transported via the mail could create some inadvertent problems.