Unused prescription drugs may be disposed of safely during the annual “Got Drugs?” collection Saturday by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

            Citizens may drop their unused, expired and unwanted prescriptions between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the sheriff’s office front lobby at 940 New Salem Highway during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

            DEA reported citizens will help prevent drug abuse and theft by safely disposing of the prescriptions. Americans turned in more than 309 tons of pills at more than 5,300 sites during two previous events.

             Sheriff’s Narcotics Detective Lt. Egon Grissom said about 60 pounds of prescription drugs were collected last year at the sheriff’s office.

            People who want to get rid of the pills may bring the pills in the original prescription bottle. The pills will be destroyed after the collection in an incinerator.

            “Don’t flush pills because it does get into the water system,” Grissom recommended.

             DEA reported unused prescription drugs may be misused if left.

The rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. today is at an alarmingly high level—two-and-a-half times more people currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined, according to the recently released 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).  The same study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. “We all have another unique opportunity to contribute to the fight against prescription drug abuse by participating in the third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “Americans overwhelmingly responded to the first two national Take-Back Day events, and we hope the Oct. 29 event is no different. With everyone's support, we can reduce the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, while increasing the awareness of this important public health issue.” 

For more information, click on www.dea.gov.