Unused prescription drugs can pose significant risks, including accidental ingestion, misuse, and theft. As we welcome the New Year, it’s the perfect time to establish healthy habits for your household. While many families focus on decluttering during spring cleaning, incorporating an annual check of your medicine cabinet can be equally important for your family’s safety. For Beaumont families, addressing these concerns can help prevent prescription drug abuse and keep loved ones safe.4
Prescription Drug Abuse: A Growing Concern
Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue nationwide, and Southeast Texas is no exception. Medications like opioids, stimulants, and sedatives are among the most commonly abused drugs. Teens and young adults are particularly at risk, often gaining access to these drugs from family medicine cabinets. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), most teens who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends or relatives, sometimes without their knowledge.
Even unused medications that seem harmless can lead to devastating consequences. Narcotics, such as prescription painkillers, can lead to addiction and even overdose if taken improperly. Unsecured medications are an easy target for misuse and can fuel a cycle of dependency.
Risks of Keeping Unused Medications
Unused prescription drugs in the home present several dangers, including:
- Accidental Ingestion: Young children or pets may accidentally ingest medications, leading to serious medical emergencies.
- Expired Medications: Over time, medications lose their potency or can become harmful, making them unsafe to use.
- Theft or Diversion: Visitors, including friends or extended family members, may take medications without permission for misuse.
- Environmental Hazards: Improper disposal, such as flushing medications down the toilet, can contaminate water supplies.
Proper Storage of Narcotics
If you or a family member is currently prescribed narcotics, proper storage is essential. Keep these medications in a locked cabinet or container, away from children and visitors. Avoid leaving them in accessible places like nightstands, bathroom cabinets, or kitchen counters. Tracking the quantity of pills and monitoring their usage can also help prevent misuse or theft.
Local Resources for Safe Disposal
To combat prescription drug abuse, Beaumont offers resources to help families safely dispose of unused medications. The Beaumont Police Department and local pharmacies often participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a biannual event sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These events provide a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications.
In addition to Take Back Days, Beaumont residents can check with local pharmacies for year-round drop-off locations or mail-back programs. These initiatives ensure medications are disposed of properly, preventing them from ending up in the wrong hands or harming the environment.
Making Safe Medication Practices a New Year’s Resolution
Consider making an annual New Year’s ritual of decluttering your medicine cabinet. Here’s how:
- Inspect Your Medications: Go through all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in your home. Discard those that are expired or no longer needed.
- Secure Current Medications: Ensure all medications, especially narcotics, are stored in a safe, locked location.
- Dispose of Unused Medications Properly: Participate in local Take Back Days or utilize pharmacy disposal programs.
- Educate Your Family: Talk openly with teens and young adults about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the importance of using medications only as prescribed.
Beaumont Emergency Hospital: Here for Your Family
If you suspect a loved one has ingested a dangerous medication or is experiencing symptoms of overdose, Beaumont Emergency Hospital is here to help. Our facility is open 24/7/365, with board-certified emergency physicians ready to provide expert care. Symptoms of prescription drug overdose may include difficulty breathing, confusion, or unconsciousness. Seeking immediate medical attention is critical.
By taking simple steps to manage and secure your medications, you can protect your family from the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Let this New Year be a time to focus on safety and well-being, starting with your medicine cabinet.
Works Cited
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Teens and Prescription Drugs.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023, https://www.drugabuse.gov.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “Take Back Day.” DEA Diversion Control Division, 2024, https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/.
“Texas Police Departments Take Back Drugs.” Beaumont Enterprise, 2024, https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/.