Putting the Lid on Prescription Drug Abuse

Published Sept. 24, 2010
By Capt. Jeremy Gustafson
341st Medical Support Squadron pharmacist

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Prescription drugs can contribute greatly to the physical and mental health of the individuals for whom they are prescribed and, when used properly, aid in the accomplishment of our Air Force Global Strike Command assigned mission. However, the well-being of our nation and our home here at Malmstrom is adversely affected when people disregard the laws and rules governing prescription drug use.

In the United States prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Montana, in particular, has seen a sharp increase in prescription drug abuse in recent years. A 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found one in 10 Montana teens reported abusing prescription pain relievers. Prescription medications have an important role in health care. However, if used improperly, they can have devastating effects. Every year, prescription drug abuse is a contributing factor in more than 300 Montana deaths.

There are some key points to remember when you have been prescribed any medication by your doctor. First, it is against the law to share any prescription medications with another person, including family members. Second, medications should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. By taking medications as prescribed, adverse effects, including addiction, are less likely to occur. Third, you must safeguard your medications. According to the Montana Department of Justice, 56 percent of prescription drug abusers obtain their drugs from friends or relatives. Finally, when you are finished with your prescription, you need to dispose of the remaining medication properly.

There are two ways to properly dispose of an unused prescription. First, the Malmstrom Pharmacy will take back any unused prescription medication. Simply bring the unused medication to the pharmacy during normal duty hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If the medication is a controlled substance, pharmacy personnel will count the medication in your presence and provide you a receipt indicating the medication and the quantity turned in. This process provides proper control of these powerful medications and helps ensure they are not inadvertently misused or abused.

Second, you can turn the medication in to a community take-back program. One such program will take place Saturday, Sept. 25. The Montana Department of Justice is taking back medication at the Great Falls Public Library at 301 2nd Ave North, and at more than 20 other Montana locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you are unable to participate in a take-back program, another way to properly dispose of any unused non-controlled prescriptions is to observe the following recommendations of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub or a sealable bag.
Conceal or remove any personal information, including prescription number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
Place the sealed container with the mixture and the empty drug containers in the trash.

For environmental reasons, it is not appropriate to flush most medications down the toilet. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a list of medications that may be flushed for safety reasons. For more information, visit the FDA website at www.FDA.gov.

One Airman stationed here this year received an Article 15 and was administratively discharged from the Air Force for giving a fellow Airman a few pills of his prescription medication. Another Airman faced administrative discharge for taking prescription medication that belonged to his family member. Airmen have also faced investigations for testing positive after taking their own medications after their prescription has expired. Abusing medications yourself or enabling others to abuse them can potentially cost you your career, and cause unwanted and unintended side effects, including death. These acts do not meet the standards set forth by the Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command or Malmstrom.