The opioid epidemic continues to flood The United States — and not just in small towns here and there — but across the nation. It’s vastly decimating lives, relationships, communities and whole families. The outcome of such an epidemic has left people in despair, looking for answers on how to solve the problem. The need for a positive impact against the epidemic is substantial. Multinational retail corporation, Walmart, is aiming to take on the opioid crisis. They’re doing so by providing a no-cost safe drug disposal solution at every Walmart pharmacy.
The Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic
Walmart has announced their innovative collaboration with DisposeRX, an industry leader. It’s aiming to combat the sophisticated opioid crisis using an opioid disposal solution. The company, based out of Southern Pines, North Carolina offers a solution that provides a safe drug disposal option. The product — a vial and DisposeRX powder — come together to allow anyone to rid their medicine cabinet of medications.
Of the 20 million Americans that suffer from substance abuse, almost 2 million of them abuse prescription opioids. Along with this, in 2016, the number of opioid overdoses was five times higher than in 1991. The strategic partnership of Walmart and DisposeRX aims to intervene in the forefront of addiction, overdoses, and death by offering a free solution that anyone can access.
“There are leftover and expired prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet; these drugs are temptations, causing addiction and sometimes death. DisposeRx provides a safe, convenient and permanent way of disposing of these drugs,” the DisposeRX Web-site reads.
The Safe Drug Disposal Plan
DisposeRX is said to be convenient and easy to use. Available for free at every Walmart pharmacy across the nation, the two companies have collaborated to strategically combat the cycle of medication overdoses, the dangers of addiction, accidental poisoning, prescription drug diversion, pollution, and death. To use the product, a user will merely open the vial and add their unwanted, unused medication. Then, they will add warm tap water until the vial is 2/3rds full and pour the DisposeRX powder into the mix. Next, the user will shake the vial for 30 seconds. The contents will solidify in less than 10 minutes. You can dispose of the DisposeRX vial in your household waste.
Learning More about the Plan
DisposeRX is made up of a biodegradable solution manufactured with components that are safe. No harm would come to an individual if accidentally ingested. The product is also environmentally-friendly. When mixing the warm water, medication and DisposeRX powder, a gel substance of high viscosity are formed preventing pouring, mixing or transferring the material to any other container.
According to the DisposeRX website, the drug destroying gel uses proprietary, patent-pending technology made of solidifying cross-linking chemical polymers that permanently sequester medications. The unique, one-of-a-kind system can ruin:
- Powders
- Pills
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquids
- Patches
“Beginning immediately, patients filling any new Class II opioid prescription at Walmart pharmacies will receive a free DisposeRx packet and opioid safety information brochure when picking up their prescription,” Walmart announced. Through this new, first-of-its-kind drug disposal solution, Walmart and DisposeRX hope to make a profound impact in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
This safe drug disposal by Walmart is a great step forward in the fight against opioids. If you find yourself or a loved one struggling with opioid use, you need drug addiction treatment. Call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135 to learn about our addiction therapy services.
