Disposal solutions for unused medications
Seventy-five percent of opioid misuse starts by someone taking a pain medication that was not prescribed to them. On Saturday, April 24, you can join the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and return your unused medications to a collection center near you.
You are in control of your medications
When you are prescribed an opioid for pain, you may not always finish the medication. Keeping the medication just in case you need it again may seem harmless but can cause a variety of problems.
What harm can my unused meds cause?
Not disposing of leftover opioid medication affects the safety of our kids, families, and our environment in the following ways:
- Twelve percent of Washington teenagers have admitted to misusing medication. Over half of teens who misuse opioids get them from a friend or family member without their knowledge.
- Opioids can lead to heroin addiction. When you take opioids, your body slows its production of endorphins which means over time it will take more of the drug in order to reach the same feelings. Some people find that gaining access to the street drug heroin is easier and cheaper than obtaining opioid medication.
- Not disposing of opioids properly affects the environment. Drugs flushed or thrown in the trash end up in our water supply, and in some cases, in the fish that we eat.
How can I help?
Start by visiting the Medication Education and Disposal (MED-project) website. This website provides a take-back locator where you can find a pharmacy or police station that will take back your meds for free, any and every day. The site also provides a new option to mail back your unused medication. Then talk to your friends and family, and participate Saturday, April 24 in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Permanent take-back locations are available in communities across Washington, and the number of drop boxes in our state is growing.
Opioids are now one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in Washington State. By always removing unused or expired opioid prescriptions from your home and disposing of the leftover pills at a permanent take-back location, event, or mailing you help keep your loved ones safe and prevent these drugs from harming our environment.
