The Linn County Health Department partners with local schools and law enforcement to provide education about the rising issues associated with over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse.

What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else or takes their own prescription in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed. Abuse can include taking a friend’s or relative’s prescription to get high, to treat pain, or because you think it will help with studying.

This is becoming a nationwide issue. Check out this site and learn the reality behind prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse!

How do I Dispose of Prescription Drugs?

Do Not Flush Medications!

Flushing medications can cause several issues in septic systems and wastewater treatment plants. Also, municipal wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove all the ingredients from the medicines and untreated or partially treated pharmaceuticals are then released into nearby lakes, rivers or groundwater.

It is important to dispose of these medications properly. The Health Department hosts several Drug Take Back days through the year. Watch our website and the department Facebook page for more information on dates and take back specifics. For more information on disposal of medications visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources or click here.

Check out the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.