National Take-Back Day a chance to get rid of unused prescriptions

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s that time again, National Take-Back Day, a day designated by the Utah Attorney General’s Office for people to safely get rid of medications and vape items.

“Prescription drug abuse, particularly for painkillers, has risen to epidemic levels nationwide, and Utah is no exception,” Attorney General Sean Reyes said. “Prescription drugs, when administered and taken responsibly, can be a productive tool for pain management.

But far too often, what begins innocently can lead to dependence and devastation.”

Prescriptions that include extra or additional doses, beyond what might be medically necessary, are large contributors to addiction. A majority of drug users will abuse their prescription and then, move to other prescribed medications. 

“No community is immune,” Reyes said. “Addiction touches rural and urban areas, uptown or downtown neighborhoods alike.

“And whether we realize it or not, our medicine cabinets may be where addicts are looking next or where they may have already been.

“By teaming up on Take Back Day with partners like the DEA, AARP, businesses, and citizens across our state, we will recover hundreds, if not thousands of pounds of prescription drugs.”

DoTERRA and Mallinckrodt have gifted thousands of eco-friendly bags to Utah for National Take-Back Day.  These bags will neutralize and dissolve any type of medication making the substances safe for disposal.

Disposing of medication incorrectly can be harmful to the environment. High amounts of antibiotics, antidepressants, and other medications have been located in bodies of water in the United States.

Find a Take-Back location near you. 

Keep reading:

• Box truck containing thousands in prescription meds stolen near U of U; suspect now in custody

• KSL In-Depth: A Costly Cure

• A Costly Cure: Lawmakers unite to bring down prescription prices