BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The Christmas tree is trimmed, the house decorated and gifts wrapped but before guests are invited, U.S. experts suggest locking up the medicine chest. <\/p>\n
\"We don't like to think of guests rifling through our medicine chests, but it is a possibility,\" Courtney Stewart, research associate at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, said in a statement. <\/p>\n
\"So, play it safe. Guests will be using bathrooms and placing coats and purses in various rooms. Prescription drugs of any kind should be placed in a safe location where they are kept locked and out of the hands of guests.\" <\/p>\n
The potential for misuse of prescription drugs and alcohol during the holidays increases because of social gatherings, tradition and travel, Stewart said. <\/p>\n
The abundance of alcohol and alcohol advertising over the holidays can ramp up consumption for both social drinkers and people who might be struggling with alcohol consumption. <\/p>\n
\"Party hosts may serve stronger drinks than are usually consumed, and guests may drink many more beverages while 'under the influence of conviviality and cheer,'\" said Carole Nowicke, a research associate at the IPRC. \"Adults with alcohol problems and under-aged youth may find alcohol unmonitored and plentiful even in homes where alcohol typically is not available.\" <\/p>\n
Stewart and Nowicke suggest: <\/p>\n
-- Lock up or move all prescription medications to a safe location, such as a locked car or a drawer in a locked bedroom. <\/p>\n
-- Place over-the-counter medicines in a handy yet private location where you can dispense them to guests who may need an aspirin or antacid, etc. <\/p>\n
-- Choose non-alcoholic drinks at social events. <\/p>\n
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Lock up the medicine chest before holiday guests arrive<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Dec. Continue reading