Drug Take Back Day drop-off points

REGION — Maine has a big problem with prescription drug abuse, and having unused and unsecured medication in the house can increase the risk of prescription drug misuse and addiction and of becoming a victim of crime.

When used incorrectly, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs. In 2010 there were more deaths in Maine related to drugs than to traffic accidents. Teens and young adults may try drugs from home or ones they get from friends and family members.

Anyone coming into a home can access prescriptions that are not locked in a cabinet, drawer or a prescription lock box.  Elders are especially at risk when it comes to drug-related robberies. Medicines that are currently being used should be in one locked and secure location of the home.

Residents who have medications they no longer use, never needed, or are expired, should not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Flushed medications can pollute waters and medicines in the trash can be taken by people who wish to abuse them. The best option is to get rid of them safely on National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 29.

The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office will be again participating.

There will be collection drop off points at Sheriff’s Office in South Paris and in Bethel as well as the Sacopee Valley Health Center on Main Street in Porter.

Any other time throughout the year you can still drop off old, expired and unused prescriptions during the business week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office, 26 Western Ave. in South Paris.

Norway Police Department is also participating and there is a drop-off point at the Norway Town Office on Danforth Street.

In Androscoggin County drop-off points include the Poland Town Office parking lot and the Mechanic Falls Police Departments. Take Back Day sites will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information on a specific site contact the appropriate police department or call Healthy Androscoggin at 795-2120.

For more information about preventing prescription drug abuse, check out www.healthyandroscoggin.org or visit the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s website at www.maineosa.org.