BY LINDA BENTLEY | APRIL 27, 2011
Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks only second to marijuana, as the most common form of drug abuse in America
CAVE CREEK – Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with a national program, will be hosting the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 30, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Cave Creek Substation located at 37622 N. Cave Creek Rd. next door to Cave Creek Town Hall.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), most abused prescription drugs come from the medicine cabinets of family and friends, making them drug dealers without even knowing it.
This event provides an opportunity to properly dispose of unused and/or expired prescription medications, which have become a public safety issue leading to accidental, poisoning, overdose and abuse.
The DEA warns pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision.
Non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks only second to marijuana, as the most common form of drug abuse in America.
When unused prescription drugs are thrown in the trash, they can be easily retrieved and abused or illegally sold, while pouring them down the drain or flushing them down the toilet contaminates the water supply.
Proper disposal of unused drugs can save lives and protect the environment.
Drug disposal programs, such as the ones conducted locally by MCSO on a semi-annual basis, are the best way to dispose of old prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter drugs.
However, if a program is not available when disposal is needed, the DEA recommends taking the medications out of their original containers, mixing them with something unappealing such as used kitty litter or coffee grounds and then sealing them in a bag or disposable container before throwing them away.
MCSO Civil Division Commander Larry Farnsworth noted last year’s event was very successful and said, “The communities loved being able to get rid of the pharmaceuticals out of their house, not polluting the environment and keeping them out of the hands of their children or grandchildren.”
