Health and law enforcement officials say prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in San Diego. Tomorrow, the County Sheriff's Department is inviting people to drop off their unused and expired prescription drugs, no questions asked.
It's called Prescription Drug Take Back Day. At five locations in the county including the Del Mar Fairgrounds, sheriff's deputies will collect unused and unwanted medications. The pills will eventually be packaged and sent out for environmentally-friendly disposal.
Dr. Sean O'Hara treats a lot of San Diegans who have drug problems. He said prescription drug abuse is getting out of hand.
"Prescription drugs right now is making up anywhere from half, to upwards of three-quarters of most of the treatment episodes, whether it's inpatient, outpatient, or emergency room visits," O'Hara said.
Prevention and treatment providers will be on hand at tomorrow's collection sites to provide information.
