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The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. There are more than 90 take-back locations in Washington. Find a collection site near you.
Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in Washington state. There are more deaths annually from prescription drug abuse than from meth, cocaine, and heroin combined.
What’s causing this epidemic?
Drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, and Methadone are now commonly prescribed for pain. Painkillers offer relief to millions of Americans but present a hidden danger. In a way, these drugs are the cousins of a better known—and more feared— drug: heroin. But unlike heroin, most people don’t know how potentially addicting and dangerous prescription opiates can be.
What can you do to help?
Your teenagers (or their friends) may look for prescription drugs in your home. In addition, prescription drugs are frequently stolen, either directly from homes or from garbage cans. That’s why it’s critical to keep track of your medications, lock them up and properly dispose of unused or expired prescriptions. This helps keep these drugs out of the wrong hands.
Need help?
If you need help with a prescription drug problem—or if you know someone who does, you can visit: www.waRecoveryHelpLine.org or call 1-866-789-1511.
- Sarah Lane -