In Illinois, prescription pain medication overdose deaths doubled between 2013 and 2016. Together with the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Health Department’s Prevention Services reminds you to “Guard and Discard” your prescription medications to help reduce prescription drug misuse. Prescription medications can be safe and effective if used as directed, but can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Proper disposal of prescription drugs can prevent misuse and accidental poisonings.

Lake County has 32 prescription drug disposal boxes located at Police Departments and Walgreens. Visit the Drug Free Lake County website to find your nearest drug disposal box. If you or someone you know are impacted by addiction to opioids or other substances, you can call the Illinois toll-free helpline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-833-2FINDHELP.