Drug Disposal
You have the power to protect yourself, family, friends and even strangers from the harms of over the counter and prescription medicine abuse. Properly disposing of expired and unused drugs and medications could ultimately save a life.
DO NOT FLUSH prescription drugs down the toilet unless the label and/or information specifically instruct you to do so! The safest way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications are through community drug disposal boxes and “drug take-back” programs. In fact, Nashville has eight locations where metro residents can bring in and dispose of unused and/or expired OTC and prescribed medications:
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
South Precinct – 5101 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 862-7744
East Precinct – 936 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37207; (615) 862-7600
West Precinct – 5500 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 862-7747
Hermitage Precinct – 3701 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076; (615) 880-1776
Madison Precinct – 430 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115; (615) 880-3111
Sunday – Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Facts
More than one hundred people die each day in the United States as a result of drug overdose, while more than six thousand are hospitalized. As the nation’s death percentage continues to rise, so does Tennessee’s death toll. Over the past few years, Tennessee has even surpassed the national average and continues to rank among the states with the most prescription drugs per capita.
Without a doubt, Tennessee is in the midst of a deadly epidemic.
History
The history of medical drugs dates back to the Persian, Egyptian and Greek Empires; however it wasn’t until the late 20th century that the United States’ government began regulating highly addictive medications through the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987. Despite the government’s regulations, American’s misconceptions regarding the safety of prescription medicines still remain the biggest concern. Many people, including parents, are unaware of the addictive nature and dangerous side effects of prescribed medications.
Risk & Addiction
Addiction occurs as the body’s tolerance for the medication increases. As tolerance increases in the central nervous system, a higher dosage of the substance will be required to meet the medication’s intended needs.
Many of the effects of prescription medications mimic those of illegal narcotics. Without proper education and monitoring of instructed dosage, prescribed medication can easily lead to an early addiction.
Potential consequences of abusing prescription medication can include: poor judgment and engaging in risky behavior, using illegal drugs, being involved in crime, motor vehicle accidents, decreased academic or work performance and/or troubled relationships.
Count It! Drop It! Lock It!® is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention that began in Coffee County, Tenn. CLD empowers and educates individuals on how they can help prevent prescription drug misuse by properly counting, locking, or disposing of prescription medications.
Count It! Make it a goal to count your pills once every two weeks. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock It! Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place that others would not think to look.
Drop It! Drop off your unused or expired medications for proper disposal at drop boxes located in participating law enforcement offices or pharmacies.
Learn more about Count It! Drop It! Lock It! on the campaign’s website at this link
Drug Take-Back Boxes
Prescription drug take-back boxes provide a place where unused prescription drugs can be safely disposed. These permanent boxes prevent prescription and over-the-counter medications from getting into the hands of children and into the waterways. They make sure they are disposed of in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner. Find a location near you: Prescription Drug Take-Back Box Map
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
National prescription drug take back events highlight the importance of safely disposing medications that are no longer needed or expired.
Please check website below for future dates.
Nashville Prevention Partnership offers free Lockboxes for medication storage. If interested please call us at 615-393-6980 ext. 703 to schedule a time to receive.
Rehabilitation and Treatments
Please visit our Resources page for local rehabilitation and treatment facilities.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction and needs to talk to someone, contact NPP’s Peer Recovery Coordinator, Brad Schmitt, at brad@npponline.org or visit NashvilleRecovers.org for more information.