Empty Your Medicine Cabinet before Friends & Family Arrive for Thanksgiving

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) remind families to check their medicine cabinets before the holiday in order to dispose of unneeded medication, and secure the medication they need.

Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate with family, and see those we care about. Emptying medicine cabinets is one small, but important way to make sure your guests have a safe holiday.

“Disposing of unneeded medication is easy, and can prevent harm to those we care about,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “We’re encouraging families to dispose of unneeded medication so that they can focus on being together this holiday season.”

“The majority of people misusing prescription medications get these medications from family and friends. Take a few moments to clean out your medicine cabinet of unused or unwanted medications,” said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon.

There is a medication drop box in the Greenwich Police Dept lobby. It is accessible 24/7.

Residents can also dispose of unneeded medication at home using instructions from our videos in English here, and in Spanish here.

If you’re concerned you have a family member that may be at risk for overdose, you can find a pharmacy to provide a naloxone prescription on this map. Don’t forget to call ahead to ensure the medication is available.

If you or somebody you love needs help with addiction, call the ACCESS Line at 1 (800) 563-4086, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, to be connected to addiction services and treatment.

Questions or concerns related to drug disposal can be directed to DCP’s Drug Control Division by emailing [email protected], or by calling (860) 713-6065.