Rx Misuse Awareness:

Navigating the Journey from Healing to Harm

Prescription medications can play an important role in treating health conditions—but when used incorrectly, they can be dangerous and even deadly. At Butler First Step™, we’re here to help individuals, families, and care providers understand the risks of prescription drug misuse and find local resources for prevention, education, and support.

Butler First Step:

Programs That Make a Difference

Explore Butler First Step’s full range of prevention programs designed to support individuals, families, and communities. Whether you’re seeking education, resources, or ways to get involved, our programs offer something for everyone.

Destigmatizing Prescription Drug Misuse

It Can Start with a Legitimate Prescription:

Many people who misuse medications began with a legal prescription for pain, anxiety, or sleep. Misuse can happen gradually—sometimes without realizing it.

It Affects All Ages:

From someone recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain or experimenting with leftover pills, prescription misuse doesn’t discriminate by age or background.

You’re Not Alone:

Prescription drug misuse is a growing concern in communities across Pennsylvania. Talking openly about the risks helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help sooner.

Prescription Drug Misuse: What You Need to Know

Misuse Comes in Many Forms:

Taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, or mixing drugs with alcohol all count as misuse—even if it feels “safe” or “normal.”

Opioids, Benzos & Stimulants Carry Unique Risks:

- Opioids (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) can lead to overdose and dependency.
- Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan) are linked to memory problems and withdrawal.
- Stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin) can affect heart health and cause anxiety or mood swings when misused.

Youth Are Especially Vulnerable:

Teens and young adults may misuse prescription medications to manage stress, stay awake, or cope with emotions. Early intervention is key.

Safe Disposal Saves Lives:

Keeping unused or expired prescriptions in your home increases the risk of accidental ingestion or misuse. Safe disposal is simple and essential.

Resources We Use and Recommend:

Prescription Drug Misuse

To help prevent prescription drug misuse and support those affected, we rely on trusted, evidence-based resources. These tools provide education, prevention strategies, and guidance for safe medication use and disposal. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community member, these resources can help you stay informed and proactive.

What It Looks Like—and Why It Matters

Resources for Safe Prescription Drug Storage and Disposal in Butler County

There are many options available for safe prescription drug storage and disposal available in Butler County. Click on the tabs below for a description and picture of each item.

A presentation can be requested for organizations in which participants will receive the items.You may also click on the orange Contact Us button below to request items or call 724-284-5114.

Items can be picked up at the Butler County Government Center.

Safer Lock Medicine Box

The Safer Lock Medicine Box is made from sturdy food-grade plastic and locks with a 4-digit combination of your choosing. The Safer Lock medicine lock box is 7.5” wide, 5.5” deep, and 3” in height. This gives you plenty of space to store all your medications, not just prescriptions.

Safer Lock Pill Pod

The Safer Lock uses a four-digit combination locking cap that fits existing prescription vials or can be used with the bottle provided and locked with a 4-digit combination of your choosing.

Deterra Drug Deactivation Pouches

These medium size pouches can deactivate 45 pills, 6 oz. of liquid or 6 medication patches at one time. Simply tear open the pouch, place unused medication inside, fill the pouch halfway with water and wait 30 seconds for air to release. Seal the pouch tightly, gently shake and the pouch with the deactivated medication can be disposed of in normal trash.

Medication Drop Boxes

In each Butler County police station and inside the Butler County Government Center, medicine drop boxes are available in which you can dump unused medications. It’s best to dump leftover medication into a resealable plastic bag before dumping it into the drop box. Before you throw bottles away in the trash, wrap duct tape around them so no one can see your personal information.

Help Is Nearby

Where to Find Prescription Misuse Prevention Resources in Butler County

Butler First Step

Explore our Programs & Resources page for educational materials, school-based prevention programs, and tools for parents and caregivers. You can also request disposal pouches, lock boxes, and pill pods.

Find a Safe Medication Disposal Site Near You

https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/

National Drug Take Back Day

National Drug Take Back Day is a safe, no-questions-asked event to dispose of unused or expired medications. Held twice a year by the DEA, it helps prevent misuse and protect the community.

Primary Care & Behavioral Health Providers

Many local providers can help identify misuse early and connect individuals with treatment or counseling.

Prescription Drug Misuse:

Common Questions and Answers

What counts as prescription misuse?

Taking medicine in a way or dose not prescribed, using someone else’s medication, or using it to get high or stay awake all qualify as misuse.

Yes. Medications affect people differently. What helps one person could harm another, especially without medical supervision.

What are signs of misuse?

Changes in mood or behavior, taking pills in secret, needing early refills, or mixing medications with alcohol may all indicate a problem.

Can prescription drugs lead to addiction?

Yes. Many prescription medications, especially opioids, are habit-forming and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

How can I safely get rid of old prescriptions?

Safely dispose of medications by using a local drop box or attending a drug take-back event. Never flush medications or throw them in the trash. See above for drop box locations and details on how to get a Deterra drug deactivation pouch.

Local Support in
Butler County

Butler First Step™ is committed to providing families with access to local resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

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