When it comes to teen substance misuse, one of the most overlooked threats is right at home—prescription drugs hidden in plain sight. While most parents lock up alcohol or dispose of illicit substances, prescription medications are often left unsecured and easily accessible in familiar places around the house. Understanding where teens might find these medications and how to secure them is a crucial step in keeping your family safe.

Common Places Teens Find Prescription Drugs

Here are some of the most surprising and frequently overlooked locations where prescription drugs may be stored:

1. Medicine Cabinets

The bathroom medicine cabinet is often the first place teens look for prescription medications. Pain relievers, anxiety medications, and ADHD medications are commonly stored here, making them easy to find.

Solution: Remove all medications from your bathroom cabinet and store them in a secure, locked location.

2. Nightstands

Many adults keep medications like sleep aids or pain relievers on their nightstands for easy access. Unfortunately, this also makes them easy for teens to find.

Solution: Avoid leaving medications in your bedroom. Use a lockable storage box to secure them elsewhere.

3. Kitchen Drawers or Cabinets

It’s common for families to store medications in kitchen cabinets or drawers alongside vitamins or first-aid supplies. Teens may stumble upon these medications while searching for something else.

Solution: Keep only non-prescription items in the kitchen and secure all prescription drugs in a safe place.

4. Purses or Backpacks

Parents often carry medications in purses or bags for convenience, but this also increases the risk of access if the bag is left unattended at home.

Solution: Avoid storing medications in bags or backpacks when at home. If you must carry them, keep the bag in a locked or secure area.

5. Old Prescription Bottles

Expired or unused medications are often forgotten in bathroom drawers, closets, or under the sink. Teens may experiment with these medications, not realizing the potential danger.

Solution: Regularly clean out your home’s medicine storage areas and dispose of expired or unused medications through a local take-back program or at a pharmacy.

Actionable Tips to Prevent Access

Preventing prescription drug misuse starts with a proactive approach. Here’s how you can reduce the risk in your home:

1. Secure All Medications

Invest in a lockbox or a secure storage cabinet for prescription drugs. This simple step can significantly reduce the likelihood of misuse.

2. Monitor and Track Your Medications

Keep a record of all prescription medications in your home, noting the quantity and expiration dates. Regularly check your inventory to ensure nothing is missing.

3. Dispose of Medications Properly

Unused or expired medications should be disposed of safely. Many communities offer prescription drug take-back events or provide permanent drop-off locations at pharmacies and police stations.

4. Educate Your Family

Have open and honest conversations with your teens about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Education is one of the most powerful tools in prevention.

5. Lead by Example

Model responsible behavior when it comes to medication use. Avoid sharing prescriptions, and take medications only as directed.

Why This Matters

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription drug misuse is a growing concern among teens. Many believe that because these drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they are safer than illicit drugs—when in fact, misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or other serious health risks.

By securing your medications and talking openly with your family, you can help protect your teens from this hidden threat. Prevention starts at home, and your actions can make all the difference.

For more tips and resources on keeping your family safe, visit Informed Families.