The Success of Pill Take Back Day in Las Vegas

The Pill Take Back Day that took place in Las Vegas on September 29th marked a significant step in the journey towards community wellness and addiction recovery. Organized in part by Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the event was a crucial component of National Recovery Month. With opioids and other medications posing significant risks when misused, Pill Take Back Day aimed to offer a safe, anonymous, and judgement-free space for people to dispose of unused or expired medications.

Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas at night

A Community-Oriented Approach

Hosted at multiple Metropolitan Police Department substations throughout Las Vegas, including the Metro Bolden Area Command, the Pill Take Back Day was a prime example of effective community collaboration. Local news channel Fox 5 Vegas also supported the event, featuring interviews with Landmark Recovery representatives, Metropolitan Police Department staff, and even a Landmark Recovery alumni. This inclusive approach amplified the outreach and made it a community-oriented event.

Why It Matters

Unused or expired medication in homes poses multiple risks:

1. Taking expired medication can result in adverse health effects.
2. Unsupervised children may accidentally ingest these drugs, leading to unintentional poisoning.
3. People in the household struggling with addiction may find it harder to start their journey to recovery when tempted by readily available medication.

“We’re providing a safe environment for [those in recovery] to come to the area commands all across the valley to drop those off,” said Sergeant Stephanie Ward of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Stephanie Ward speaking with Fox 5 at the Las Vegas Pill Take Back Day event

Voices of Change: Personal Stories

During the event, Fox 5 interviewed Kyle, a Landmark Recovery alumni who emphasized the life-changing impact of his time in the program. Kyle’s story highlighted the critical role of proper medication disposal in the broader context of addiction recovery and served as a compelling example of the positive outcomes possible through programs like those offered at Landmark Recovery.

“Walking through that door at Landmark, knowing I was in a safe place, I knew I would be able to get the tools that I needed to change my life,” said Kyle. “I spent 47 days at Landmark Recovery. It changed my life. I learned more about myself than I ever had. I’m here 20 months later, a whole different person. I want to be a role model for my children.”

Dee Hanzy of Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas speaking with Fox 5

Measurable Impact

LVMPD Sergeant Stephanie Ward revealed that they had to empty the collection boxes multiple times, attributing the frequency to heightened awareness and community cooperation. The outpouring of support and results of the Take Back Day were beyond what was expected.

“One life is too much to lose, and we don’t want to lose any more lives,” she stated, underlining the importance of the event.

Check out Fox 5’s coverage of the event on their website.

Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas Is Here to Help

The Pill Take Back Day in Las Vegas proved to be not just an event but a movement toward community wellness and responsible medication disposal. The organizers are optimistic that the event’s success can serve as a cornerstone for future public health initiatives.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, it’s crucial to take the first step towards recovery. Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas is a comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility offering all levels of care from detox to intensive outpatient. Give them a call today at (725) 217-9910 to find out how they can assist you or your loved one on the path to recovery.