National Drug Take Back Day highlights the importance of safe disposal
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO)--The Drug Enforcement Administration hosted its 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. The event offers anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a no-cost opportunity to dispose of medicines stored in the home that are susceptible to misuse and theft.
There are four drop locations in Colorado Springs and three in Pueblo.
According to a combined 2013 and 2014 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), most people who misused a prescription medication obtained the pills from a family member or friend.
"It keeps it out of the home, so it does not get in the hands of kiddos or be misused, or anything like that," Megan Chapman, Public Information Officer for the Pueblo Police Department, said.
Recovering addict Garret Peck says he was addicted to pills for 11 years. He has now been clean for 10 years.
Peck was diagnosed with liver disease at a young age. While going through his health struggle, he became dependent on the medications his doctor gave him, such as Xanax and Klonopin. Eventually, he began to abuse the pills. Peck believes people need to clean out their cabinets and take advantage of opportunities like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
"I used to go through my grandparent's cabinets looking for all kinds of pills. If you keep them around after they're expired and stuff like that, you're just enabling other addicts," Peck said.
If you missed this year's National Drug Take-Back Day, click here to find year-round drug disposal locations.
