New Year's parties may entail prescription drug abuse

Many people enjoy ringing in the New Year by hosting a celebration with their friends and family. However, the event can turn dangerous when guests make their way into the medicine cabinet where homeowners often store prescription drugs.

Narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications are common in medicine cabinets. Louis Tharp, executive director of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, warns party hosts that guests may turn to these drugs when alcohol is not enough to take the edge off. She also notes that the White House Office of Natural Drug Control Policy claims that prescription drug abuse is the second largest illegal drug problem in the country.

Experts say that real estate agents are often skilled in removing medications from homes before showcasing them to the public. However, inexperienced party hosts may forget to stash away their prescription drugs before guests arrive. Keeping drugs out of sight is one of the keys to avoid tempting individuals.

More than 351,000 emergency room visits were linked to illicit substance abuse in 2008, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network. Reducing the availability of drugs can decrease the instances of overdoses.