Prescription drug misuse is a prevalent and often fatal problem among youth and adults throughout Tennessee. Sixty-four percent of Tennesseans know someone who has become addicted to prescription pain medication*. Despite this alarming number, many individuals still think prescription medication addiction and misuse is a bigger risk for “other people,” and not their households.

When individuals do not properly use or store prescription medications, it creates an opportunity for drug misuse by Tennesseans of all ages.

Count It! Count your pills regularly to check for missing medication.
- 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! Store them in a secure and dry place. Invest in a home lock box.
- Lock up your medications and store them in a secure place that others would not think to look. According to two-thirds of Tennesseans, the main source of prescription pain pills are friends and relatives*. Protect your loved ones by purchasing lock boxes to securely store medications. If not used properly, prescription drugs can be as harmful and dangerous as illicit drugs.
Never share your medications.
Don’t discuss your medications with others.
- Discussing your prescriptions around people can make you an easy target for someone looking to get pain medicine. Your medicine is your business.
Drop It! Safely dispose of your unused medications.
- Drop off your unused or expired medications for proper disposal at drop boxes located in participating law enforcement offices or pharmacies.
  - Find a drop box nearest you. Disposing of pills in this manner ensures for a safe and secure disposal, preventing medicine from falling in the wrong hands.

Take-back events are held in various locations throughout the year and provide you with another opportunity to properly dispose of your unused prescription medication.
Find a take-back event near you here.