National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to reduce risks

Missoula, Mont. — National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is set for this Saturday, giving people in nationwide a chance to turn in unused or unwanted medications and lower the risk of misuse at home.

Stephen Ferguson, founder and executive director of Crossroads Recovery in Missoula, said keeping old prescriptions can create serious risks for people living with addiction and for families around them.

“Any access means that we're going to try to find those when we're in addiction. And so, there's opportunity to harm ourselves, to harm those relationships or family members, to overdose and die,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said he spent 15 years in active addiction, and that experience showed him why proper drug disposal matters.

“Regardless of who you think your family is or how well you hide things, addicts will find a way. We are resourceful, if nothing else,” Ferguson said.

Whitney Bennett, public information officer for the City of Missoula Police Department, explained that getting rid of unused medication can also help protect children.

“That could eliminate a potential drug overdose or even a prescription medication drug overdose in youth, because they didn't understand what they were taking. So, by utilizing this event and coming and bringing your unused or unwanted medications in, that can eliminate some calls for service and dangers to these to kids,” Bennett said.

The Missoula Police Department is one of many agencies across the state taking part in the event. Bennett also said the department's drop site remained available year-round.

Ferguson said handing over unused prescriptions is the safe choice.

“The danger is real. So at least be thoughtful of that and then potentially make the decision to lean into [National Prescription Drug Take Back Day] and dispose of those properly. They know how to get rid of them. And that way there's peace of mind and clarity there,” Ferguson said.