Why Someone Might Keep Years' Worth of Empty Controlled Medication Pill Bottles

Maintaining a home can sometimes involve keeping items for various reasons, from practical storage to emotional attachment. One scenario that often arises is the storage of empty controlled medication pill bottles. Here, we explore the potential reasons behind this behavior and how to address it.

Reasons for Keeping Empty Medication Bottles

There are numerous reasons why someone might keep multiple years' worth of empty controlled medication pill bottles. Firstly, they might have not taken the prescribed medications as instructed, leading them to keep the bottles as a form of documentation.

"They didn’t take what a doctor prescribed them, then did not know how to dispose of properly or simply forgot about them all together."

In some cases, individuals might be overly cautious about identity theft and prefer to keep medical bottles as a security measure. This was the case with an older couple whose friends had mentioned. These bottles were kept in black trash bags in their garage, a place of privacy, to prevent prying eyes and identity theft.

"they [kept] the bottles and they're in black trash bags in their garage. But outside of that nope."

Another plausible reason is the presence of hoarding tendencies or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with hoarding tendencies might believe they will need the medications in the future, causing them to hoard the bottles out of anxiety. Similarly, individuals with OCD might struggle with discarding items, leading them to keep empty pill bottles for an extended period.

"they [might] believe that they will need it sometime in the future but that time never comes. The hoarders that [I] know are either adult children of alcoholics or are alcoholics themselves. If you don’t hoard, it’s difficult to wrap your mind around the reasons they are basically keeping garbage."

Some individuals might be hesitant to throw away the bottles due to concern that someone might go through their trash and assume they have more of these medications, leading to theft or other issues. This is a real concern and can be a valid reason for keeping empty pill bottles.

Pillow Bottles as Storage Solutions

Empty pill bottles can serve multiple purposes beyond their original intent. For example, they can be reused as DIY organizers. A convenient feature of empty pill bottles is their size, making them ideal for storing small items, such as nuts, bolts, small magnets, electronic components, and other small objects. This can be particularly useful for household organization or in workshops where space is limited.

Another practical use is for storing small amounts of liquids, particularly when traveling. Empty pill bottles are usually airtight and can be sealed to prevent leaks, making them suitable for carrying small quantities of liquids through TSA screening.

As for proper disposal, individuals should consider the following:

Follow local guidelines for medication disposal to prevent harm to the environment and public health. Some pharmacies offer take-back programs for unused medications. If there is no specific program, packaging the medications in pill bottles with a layer of absorbent material and using the bottles for storage as described above is a safer alternative to throwing them away.

Treatment and Support

For those who struggle with hoarding or other compulsive behaviors, seeking professional help can be highly beneficial. Mental health professionals can provide strategies and treatments to help individuals manage their behaviors and improve their quality of life. Some effective treatments include:

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication, which can address underlying anxiety or mood disorders. Support groups, which offer peer support and shared experiences.

By addressing these underlying issues, individuals can learn to manage their behaviors and reduce the need to keep unnecessary items.

In conclusion, keeping years' worth of empty controlled medication pill bottles can result from a variety of factors, including incomplete medication use, security concerns, hoarding tendencies, or OCD. Understanding these dynamics and addressing them appropriately can lead to a healthier and more organized lifestyle.