Safe medication storage
Always put medications (especially opioids) in a safe and secure place like a locked cabinet, drawer, or box to help protect your children and prevent access from others. Older children and teens can be just as curious as toddlers and may be pressured by friends to take medications in the wrong way or "to get high". Parents can (and should) help reduce teen access to prescription medications, especially at home. Drug use by teens can lead to the development of a chronic substance use disorder.
Keep track of how many pills are in each of your medicine bottles or pill packets for all medications in your home, especially those known to be addictive and commonly abused, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. Monitor doses and keep track of refills.
The main source of medications for teens are their friends, the home medicine cabinet or their friends' medicine cabinet - not a drug dealer. Make sure your friends, parents of your teen's friends, neighbors, and relatives - especially grandparents - know the risks and ask them to always monitor the medications in their homes.
To learn more visit upandaway.org.
Free medication storage devices