Get Rid of Unused Prescription Drugs

If you have unused prescription drugs at home, the Moorpark Police Services Center offers a way to get rid of them safely. Residents may drop off unused medication there any time during business hours.

Since 2009, the Conejo Valley has seen nearly a 200 percent increase in opiate-based overdoses and it's on track to continue the trend in 2012, according to a statement issued by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. In 2009, there were 6 optio-based overdoses. That rose to 16 in 2010 and 17 in 2011. So far there have been four in the first three months of the year. Consistantly, 25 to 28 percent of the arrests, overdoses and deaths involve people between 16 and 20.

Law enforcement professionals assert many young people begin their journey to heroin addiction by starting with prescription medication they take from medicine cabinets at home. As their need for the drug increases and pill supplies dwindle or become too expensive, they turn to heroin, which is finding its way to schools and is being used in all socioeconomic classes.

The problem is not isolated to the Conejo Valley and nearby areas and communities throughout the country are experiencing similar increases.

To help combat the trend, the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration designated Saturday as the next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Locally you can participate by bringing your unused drugs to the Moorpark Police Services Center at 610 Spring Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (This is the same drop off location available to residents throughout the year).