Has anyone ever thought about that extra pain medication never finished after a surgery? Perhaps someone saved it in case they needed it in the future and didn’t want to go to the doctor for a prescription. If someone has been storing up pain or any other prescription medication “just in case” It is time to stop! Read on to learn more about what prescription drug abuse is, where people get those drugs, and how to be a part of solving the problem.

Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.

Every day more than 4,300 Americans misuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. Prescription drug misuse is a public health concern in the United States.

Prescription drug abuse is

• using prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescriber. It includes taking a friend’s prescription painkiller for your nagging backache or someone’s anti-anxiety pills to help one become calm.

The prescription drugs most abused include opioid pain killers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants. Every day, more than 128 people die from an opioid overdose, and this includes both prescription medications and heroin.

Where do most people who misuse prescription pain relievers get them?

• From a family member or friend. What is the harm right? If there is leftover pain medication, and another family member is struggling we often want to support them. But doctors need to be the ones to prescribe the medication.

How to dispose of medications

Once finished with a prescription, you have three options for disposal:

1. Safely dispose of medications by putting them in a drug drop box.
2. Find a drug take back program. Many communities offer programs that allow the public to bring unused medications to a central location for proper disposal. Take advantage of the drug take back programs in your community.
3. If you do not have a drop box or take-back program near you, dispose of medication safely at home by following these steps:

• • Remove pills from their original container and mix them with undesirable substances such as kitty litter, coffee grounds, or dirt.
  • Place the mixture in something you can close, such as a re-sealable storage bag, empty can, or another container to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.
  • Throw the sealed mixture into the trash.
  • Scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine package to protect your identity and privacy. Throw the medicine container away.

Remember to do YOUR part and do not leave unused or expired drugs around. Properly dispose of medications to help combat the prescription drug misuse epidemic.