Substance Abuse Resources
Opioid overdoses including prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl claimed more than 42,000 people in 2016 - more than any year on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A number of opioids are prescribed by physicians to relieve pain including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and codeine. While many people benefit from these medications to manage pain, prescription drugs are frequently diverted for improper use. A survey found slightly more than 50 percent of those who misuse prescription painkillers got them from a friend or relative for free and more than 20 percent got them from a physician.
Disposing of Unneeded Medications
Having unnecessary narcotic medications in the home puts you at risk, both for medication misuse/abuse and the potential for burglary/theft by others.
We strongly recommend you dispose of medications, especially narcotics; as soon as possible once you no longer need them. Do not flush them down the toilet or place them in the trash, as these medications can be extremely dangerous to other people, animals and the environment.
King's Daughters Pharmacy
We can help you dispose of unused/unneeded medications of all types.
The King's Daughters Family Pharmacy can accept unused medications at any time, regardless of when a prescription was filled. This program gives the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
An easy-to-use container inside the Family Pharmacy at Medical Plaza B in Ashland makes it easy to properly dispose of all types of medications. Unused/unneeded medications do not need to be in its original container. They can be placed in bags or any container.
Items not permitted:
- Inhalers
- Liquids
- Needles
For more information on disposal guidelines, call (606) 408-1245.
Reducing Risk of Addiction
In an effort to reduce the risk of developing dependency/addiction, national standards now call for narcotic prescriptions not to exceed nine days. It is important to carefully follow doctor's orders for using these medications. We advise you to stop opioids and change to non-prescription medication such as Tylenol or icing to dull pain, massage or other non-narcotic methods.
Addiction Help
For nearly 30 years, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's has been working to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. Through their comprehensive website samhsa.gov, those looking for help can find local treatment facilities, gain access to support groups and download mobile apps that provides information about treatment approaches, critical helplines and other valuable community health services.