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ISP, AG’s office kicks off prescription drug take-back day

FILE - This Feb. 19, 2013, file photo, shows OxyContin pills arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt. Prescription painkillers should not be a first-choice for treating common ailments like back pain and arthritis, according to new federal guidelines designed to reshape how doctors prescribe drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin. Amid an epidemic of addiction and abuse tied to these powerful opioids drugs, the CDC is urging general doctors to try physical therapy, exercise and over-the-counter pain medications before turning to painkillers for chronic pain. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Anyone with unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications can safely dispose of them this weekend.

Indiana State Police and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office kicked off the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event Friday at the Indiana Government Center.

“There is no reason to leave powerful prescription drugs laying around where they are accessible to children, teens or anyone to whom the medications are not prescribed,” Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said in a press release.

“This accessibility contributes to Indiana’s addiction crisis. Doing your part to dispose of unneeded prescriptions is an easy, yet critical step to keep your family safe.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting prescription drug take-back sites throughout Indiana on Saturday. Anyone who drops off their prescription medications can do so anonymously.

For a full list of sites near you, click here.