This picture shows that leftover prescription drugs are often long expired. When prescription drugs are long expired chemical changes can occur that can be dangerous when taken. Also, it shows that holding onto expired prescription drugs is common. This picture also shows that there is a need for educating people on how to properly dispose of expired drugs; through drop off boxes or by crushing them up.
A wide variety of individuals with different medical conditions come to get their prescriptions filled in local pharmacies such as this one. It may seem like a harmless environment, but it can often lead to drug abuse. These drugs can serve to benefit society and bless the lives of those they help. However, they can also be used to tear apart families as selfish individuals indulge themselves in frightening habits that are extremely addictive. Securing prescription drugs in a safe place is the responsibility of the individual who has a prescription filled. When leaving the pharmacy, one should protect themselves and their loved ones by disposing of any excess prescription drugs they may have.
By simply having excess drugs in a person’s home puts them at a greater risk for prescription drug abuse. It is suggested that individuals drop all of their excess drugs at a drug drop-off box. However, Utah County seems to lack in the availability of these drop-off boxes, and many times, residents do not want to make a trip to drop the drugs off. Therefore, there are different home methods to safely dispose of drugs. It was once believed that flushing pills down the toilet or sink was a safe method, but this is no longer true. This photo shows the method of mashing up the pills and putting them into something gross, such as leftover gravy. After they have been mixed in with something, they should be thrown away in an outdoor trash can. Getting rid of excess pills is the best thing a person can do to prevent prescription drug abuse.
This picture portrays how many leftover prescription drugs are stored in the home. This picture was taken to show just how common it is to have leftover prescription drugs in homes. Many people will hold on to their leftover prescription drugs for future use, however, studies have shown that this practice can lead to abuse. It shows that there is a need of educating people of the possible risks of keeping leftover prescription drugs. Leftover prescriptions drugs should be properly disposed and not kept in the home.
