National Prescription Drug Take-back Day
October 29th, 2011- 10am to 2pm
Convenient locations throughout Maine- Click HERE to find a location near you!
**Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.**
Prescription drugs can be dangerous and addictive. It is illegal to take any prescription drug that has not been prescribed to you. Distribution of your prescription drugs to anyone else is illegal.
Prescription drug abuse in the US
- Over 70% of persons age 12 and older who abuse prescription painkillers say they get them from a relative or friend.
- Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug except marijuana.
- 95% of unintentional poisoning deaths are prescription drug overdoses.
- In recent years, prescription-drug overdoses have overtaken cocaine and heroin overdoses as the leading cause of poisoning deaths.
- Prescription drugs are often taken with alcohol which can be a deadly combination.
Protect your child from prescription drug abuse:
- Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access.
- Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider’s advice and dosages.
- Be a good role model by following the same rules with your own medicines.
- Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well.
- Let your teen know where you stand. When you talk about drugs and alcohol, include prescription drugs in the conversation.
Take the Rx Danger Zones tour to find out where teens are finding Rx drugs and learn how to safeguard your home.
Prescription Drug Disposal
Don't flush them!
Prescription drugs pollute our streams, lakes, and rivers.
Don't throw them in the garbage!
Children and animals can get into drugs thrown in the trash. When the pills get to the landfill they can contaminate ground water. Pills and prescription bottles put in the trash can signal to others that you have prescription medications.
Instead
§ Take advantage of the Safe Med Disposal for ME Program. This program is a statewide initiative with disposal sites across the state. Find out more about the program and find participating locations in your area.
OR
§ Ask your pharmacist if he or she can take back medications.
§ Call your city or state to ask about disposal programs.
Information and Resources: