Submitted by Samantha Pach
(March 29, 2024) — Drug deactivation systems, which completely deactivate medications, are being called the future of the ongoing prevention efforts by Connecticut legislators.
Every year the FDA advises people to flush unused prescription medications down the toilet instead of disposing of them in the trash. However, environmentalists argue that this is not best solution. Flushing these drugs can contaminate water, and harm wildlife in lakes and streams because wastewater treatment plants aren’t equipped with the tools to remove all pharmaceuticals from the water.
Having an unlocked medicine cabinet with prescription drugs that are expired or not in use, gives every single person who walks into your house the ability to become addicted. According to Addictionhelp.com, in 2017, “1.7 million people in the United States were misusing prescription opioids.” They go on to say that 72% of opioids are left after surgery for people to become addicted to. You may not think twice about having these medications in your cabinet, but it could be anyone walking into your house: your child’s friend, the electrician, your significant other, YOUR CHILD.
The best alternative for drug disposal is said to be a drug deactivation system. Currently, there is a bill working its way through the state legislature that contains a section on the co-dispensing of opioids with a drug deactivation system. This would be at no extra cost to the pharmacy or the patient but would help get opiates out of houses once the medications are done being used.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jason Sundby, President of Verde Technologies, the company that created Deterra, one such product. He is working with the Connecticut Legislature to pass this section of the bill. The Deterra system is reported to completely deactivate the medication once it is activated with water. It is a simple process that takes 30 seconds, and allows you to throw the pouch in the trash.
On April 18, 2024 Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services will hold a community conversation in the HKI/MS cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At this event families will have the opportunity to pick up their own Drug Deactivation System free of charge, while learning about the current data trends in our High School. There will also be a panel of HK High School Students who will reflect on and talk about this data.
HKYFS highly encourages people to attend this event. Please reach out to preventioncoordinator@HKYFS.org for more information.
