Prescription drugs cause one quarter of overdose deaths

SANTA FE – New Mexico had the sixth-highest drug overdose death rate in the nation, and nearly one quarter of these deaths were caused by prescription drugs (including prescription opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and others), based on 2023 data.  

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is raising awareness of this issue through two upcoming events: Lock Your Meds Day (October 23) and National Prescription Take Back Day (October 25). These events provide residents with practical ways to secure medications and safely dispose of unused prescriptions, preventing them from being misused or accidentally ingested. 

“Now is a great time to do an inventory of your prescriptions and take any that you no longer use or are expired to a drop-off location,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. 

Lock Your Meds Day is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, which notes nearly 45% of those who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from family or friends, often from unlocked medicine cabinets at home. 

National Prescription Take Back Day, sponsored by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, offers free, anonymous, and convenient opportunities to safely dispose of expired or unused medications at thousands of drop-off locations nationwide. New Mexicans can also check with their local pharmacy for drop-off locations, as many  provide them year-round. People can help combat the opioid crisis, prevent misuse, and protect the environment from improper medication disposal by participating.   

Consider these recommended tips for keeping medications secure: 

• Lock up all medications: Store prescription and over-the-counter drugs behind locked cabinet doors or in lockboxes. Do not leave medications on bathroom counters or nightstands where children can reach them. 
• Take regular inventory: Maintain an updated count of all medications, especially controlled substances.  
• Educate and communicate: Teach children and teens about the risks of prescription drugs and remind them to only take medicines given by a parent or caregiver and to never share medications with others.  
• Dispose responsibly: Never flush unused medications or throw them in the trash, where they can cause accidental poisoning or environmental harm. A better method is to mix medications with something unpalatable, like coffee grounds or kitty litter before disposing of them.