If you’re like me, you’ll spend this holiday season visiting family and loved ones and welcoming them into your home.

The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate and share with the people closest to us. While sharing gifts this holiday season, please don’t accidentally share your prescription medications. While you’re busy making sure your guests are taken care of, you won’t be able to keep an eye on everyone – or your medicine cabinet.

With guests coming in and out of your home this holiday season, Count It! Lock It! Drop It!^® suggests three simple steps anyone can practice to keep their medications out of the wrong hands.

• Count your pills at least every two weeks to monitor theft and help ensure medications are taken properly;
• Lock and store medications in a secure place where others would not think to look; and
• Drop off unused or expired medications at drop boxes or during take-back events.

My family has suffered through three generations of addiction. I know firsthand the dangers a medicine cabinet can hold. You may think your loved ones won’t take your pills, but are you willing to risk their lives on it?

Find a permanent drop box near you.