Prescription Drug Disposal

Taos Alive has now brought 4 permanent Drop Boxes into the Taos Community. Drop boxes are designed to significantly reduce the amount of Rx drugs in American homes that are no longer needed or outdated so that they may not be misused. Research shows Prescription drugs are the #1 substances abused by 12-17 year olds, and most of their supplies come from their families medicine cabinets. In our continuing effort to reduce substance abuse in Taos County, we are continually seeking new locations for these drop boxes. 

 

RESEARCH:

​

The most commonly abused groups of pharmaceuticals are:

• Opioids: usually prescribed for pain relief; opioids are the most widely abused group of medications.

• Central nervous system depressants: also known as sedatives or tranquilizers; they are prescribed for sleep disorders and anxiety and have a calming and relaxing effect on the brain.

• Stimulants: used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy and obesity. Stimulants increase brain activity and give more energy.

The following 9 drugs have been associated with the highest levels of addictiveness:

1. Xanax – a benzodiazepine (class of psychoactive drugs) with fast-acting sedating and relaxing effects. Designed for serious panic disorders and anxiety.

2. Valium – a benzodiazepine, which is very habit-forming and produces ‘highs’ that resemble drunkenness.

3. Klonopin – similar to Valium and Xanax.

4. Oxycodone – an opiate, known under brand names Oxycontin and Percocet. It changes the way the brain responds and has been compared to heroin. It produces a euphoric and sedative effect.

5. Codeine – an opiate that is prescribed for coughs and pain and can often be found in prescription-strength cough syrups. It’s often combined with other medications and has been popularized as ‘purple drank’ – a concoction made with soda and candy.

6. Amphetamines (Speed) – stimulants, sold under different brand names, for example, Adderall. They are often abused for their energizing effects by people who want to (or need to) skip on sleep.

7. Ritalin – a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the brain. Readily available and generously prescribed for ADHD.

8. Demerol – an opioid pain reliever that has violent withdrawal symptoms.

9. Darvocet – a commonly abused pain killer. It has been taken off the market in the US in 2010 due to heart complications it can cause.