73 Steps Closer

Seventy-three Clinton residents dropped off unneeded prescription and over the counter medications on Saturday at the drug take-back sponsored by the Clinton Police and First Selectman's Task Force. That means we're 73 steps closer to our goal of protecting Clinton's youth and environment!

Most people take medicines only for the reasons their doctors prescribe them. But an estimated 20 percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons, according to the National Institutes of Health. This is prescription drug abuse and it is a serious and growing problem.

Clinton is not immune to this emerging issue. To combat medication abuse there are many things adults can do:

1)Talk to kids about the dangers of medications. Many people have the misperception that because the pills and liquids are safe because they are prescribed by a doctor. Kids who hear the facts about drug use from their parents are 50% less likely to use them, according to research. Learn more from this parents' guide which gives advice for talking to kids of all ages.

2) Inventory your medicine cabinet using this form. Always keep it locked.

3) Dispose of unused and expired medications properly. In a coffee container, mix the pills with an unpalatable substance such as kitty litter or coffee grounds. Seal it tight with duct tape and throw the container out. Rip labels off of pill bottles and dispose of them separately.

Thanks as always to all of our partners in the Clinton community!