FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 3) -- Members of the Fort Belvoir community discarded several bags full of medication during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, at the Main Post Exchange.

A Drug Enforcement Administration agent, a Directorate of Emergency Services police officer, a pharmacist and representatives from Belvoir's Army Substance Abuse Program oversaw 103 people dispose of 232 pounds of drugs, which were incinerated by the DEA.

"It was a huge success," said Doryan Dixon, ASAP manager.

The day was an opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications at authorized locations in local communities and was sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"We want to ensure unused drugs don't end up in the wrong hands and are disposed of properly," said Tim McDermott, DEA special agent.

Approximately 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2010 substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study counted stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives and pain relievers as prescription drugs.

About 18 percent of military personnel reported misusing those types of prescription drugs as well as anabolic steroids and erectile dysfunction drugs, according to the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel.

The prescription drug misuse rate for active-duty Army members was even higher at 23 percent.

Dixon urges Families and Soldiers to not use expired pills and to not distribute prescribed pills.

People experiencing drug abuse problems are encouraged to seek a free assessment conducted by the ASAP program. A specialist will determine whether a person needs to participate in ASAP's rehabilitation clinic. The service is open to servicemembers, their Families, retirees and government and contracted civilians.

During the take back event, Dixon said 158 people received information outlining procedures for disposing of prescription drugs within the household.

For people who are unable to visit an authorized collection site, ASAP recommends disposing of prescription medication by taking the medication out of its original container and mixing it with kitty litter or used coffee grounds before disposing them.

"Something that's undesirable for pets and children," said Dixon who further suggested crushing the pills in a bag or plastic container before disposing of them.

Medications should only be flushed down the toilet if their label specifically instructs you to do so.