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Most misused prescription opioids and stimulants come from shared or leftover medicine. To stay safe, it’s important to protect yourself and others.

Take the right dose, store medicine in a safe place, and throw away unused pills as soon as you can. This is especially important for children, because even one adult pill can be deadly for a child.

Preventing harm from prescription drugs takes education, access to lifesaving tools, and simple daily habits that lower risk. The sections below explain key ways to stay safe and list resources in Montana.

 

If you are given opioids, take them only as your doctor tells you. Use the smallest amount for the shortest time to help with pain. Do not use them for sleep, anxiety, or strong emotions.

To stay safe:

  • Ask your doctor about the risks, benefits, and other ways to treat pain
  • Follow the dose and timing exactly as told
  • Do not mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs that make you sleepy unless your doctor says it is safe

Doctors also use updated guidelines and tracking tools to help keep patients safe and lower risk.

Keeping medicine stored safely is important. It helps prevent accidents, misuse, and theft. This is very important for opioids, stimulants, and sedatives.

Safe storage tips:

  • Lock it up: Keep medicine in a locked place so kids, teens, and visitors cannot get it
  • Keep it cool and dry: Do not keep medicine in the bathroom. Heat and moisture can damage it
  • Use the original bottle: Keep medicine in the bottle it came in, with the label on it
  • Keep count: Know how many pills you have and check often to make sure none are missing

Montana Prescription Drug Drop Box Locations

  • Secure drug drop boxes are available across the state. You can use them to safely and privately get rid of unused medicine.

 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

  • A nationwide event that gives people more chances to safely get rid of unused medicines.

Drug Deactivation Options

  • Medication Disposal Bags
    These bags make unused medicine safe so you can throw it away in your household trash.

Request Medication Disposal Pouches

Medication disposal pouches are free and available through MSU Extension

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Important Notes

  • Individuals can request up to 20 pouches
  • Organizations can request up to 100 pouches

Email Request for Medication Disposal Pouches

Additional Resources