Prescription Drugs

According to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than six million Americans abuse prescription drugs.

In Alabama, many prescription medications are classified as controlled substances under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The state's official controlled substances list is available from the ADPH Pharmacy Division. ADPH has created the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to help detect the diversion, abuse and misuse of these prescription medications. Learn more about PDMP.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a program by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that collects unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs. A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that, of the more than six million Americans who abuse prescription drugs, 70 percent of them get the drugs from friends or relatives. The Take-Back initiative is a major part of the DEA's strategy to reduce prescription drug abuse. Learn more about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days by visiting DEA.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Days take place in April and October each year.