ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY — National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Sept. 29. There will be eight locations in Androscoggin County where residents can get rid of prescription drugs that are no longer needed.
Maine has a big problem with prescription drug abuse, and having unused and unsecured medication in the house can increase the risk of prescription drug misuse and addiction and of becoming a victim of crime. Many people, assume that medications prescribed by doctors are always safe to use and are even safe to share with other people, but it is never safe to take a drug that was prescribed for someone else. When used incorrectly, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.
In 2010 there were more deaths in Maine related to drugs than to traffic accidents. Data from a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that 64 percent of teens who abuse painkillers got the drugs from friends or family members, often by taking them without permission.
They also have potential for accidental poisonings of young children. A 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control found that children are twice as likely to go to the emergency department for medicine poisonings as any other product.
According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, much of the increase in Maine’s 2010 crime rate was due to burglaries and robberies related to prescription drug misuse and abuse. Elders are especially at risk when it comes to drug-related robberies. Medicines that are currently being used should be in one locked and secure location of the home.
Residents who have medications they no longer use, never needed or are expired should not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Flushed medications can pollute waters and medicines in the trash can be taken by people who wish to abuse them.
The best option is to get rid of them safely on National Drug Take Back Day. Sites will be at Farwell Elementary School in Lewiston, Bedard Pharmacy in Auburn, Poland Town Office Parking Lot, Greene Town Office and the Mechanic Falls, Livermore Falls, Sabattus and Lisbon Police Departments. Sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on a specific site contact the appropriate police department or call Healthy Androscoggin at 795-2120. For more information about preventing prescription drug abuse, check out www.healthyandroscoggin.org or visit the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s website at www.maineosa.org.
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