It’s more than just illegal drugs such as crystal meth and cocaine that are causing public health and crime issues in Alabama.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. to host a Prescription Drug Takeback in Butler County. The event is set for Thursday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the BCSO in the courthouse. The takeback is free, anonymous and SpectraCare and the BCSO promise the safe disposal of any medications turned in.

“One of the reasons we partner to do these drug take backs is because prescription drugs (especially opiod pain killers) languishing in homes are very easily obtained by young people,” said Desiree Jones of SpectraCare. “Another reason is to keep these medications from contaminating our ground water. The traditional methods of getting rid of unused or out-of-date meds by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential health and safety hazard.”

Research indicates most of the misused and abused prescription medications, the use of which can all too often lead to accidental poisoning and overdoses, are obtained through family and friends.

Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden said removing the drugs from your home can also make you less of a target for criminals.

“Getting rid of those old drugs can prevent folks from coming into your house and stealing them,” said Harden. “That’s always a good thing.”

Harden encourages everyone with unused or expired prescriptions to plan to bring the medications to their office next Thursday with “no questions asked.”

For more information about the upcoming Prescription Drug Take Back event, contact SpectraCare Prevention Services at 334-673-2143, ext. 1710.