Gearing up for Spring usually involves a good sprucing up of our homes.
And, it’s a good time to clear out the bathroom medicine cabinet, too.
Many people accrue a collection of leftover drugs —as a result of quick-healing injuries or medications that are no longer needed as new ones have been prescribed in their place.
Most people don’t give their unwanted drugs a second thought, but there are sound reasons to rid the cabinet of medication clutter.
Here are a few of them:
- Safeguarding children: A curious child could look through the cabinet and wonder why there is colorful “candy” in the bathroom, and may even want to sample a few pieces. This can lead to poisoning and even death.
- Stopping drug abuse: Someone seeking a ‘high’ may check the cabinet for pain medications or other substances, assuming the owner will not miss pills from a forgotten container.
- Sharing isn’t caring: Giving unneeded or unused pills to a friend or relative can be harmful, especially when the dosage is higher than intended or the medication has expired.
When disposing of your unwanted drugs, don’t flush them down the toilet because that can contaminate the water supply. Instead, drop them off at a drug-take-back program site. Many counties and municipalities have them, and the process is usually simple.
Each program is different, so consumers should find out whether the plan accepts both prescription and over-the-counter medications, and liquids or syringes.
Also, before disposing of any drugs, be sure to black out or remove all personal information.
In Pasco County, visit the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention at PascoASAP.com. In Hillsborough County, visit the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance at HCSO.tampa.fl.us, and search for “drug take-back.”
Published March 14, 2018
