Prescription Medicine abuse is an epidemic in the Garden State and across the United States, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey. Therefore the organization is encouraging every household to join the American Medicine Chest Challenge.

Partnership Executive Director Angelo Valente says the American Medicine Chest Web Site offers five simple steps you can take in protecting your homes and families from prescription drug abuse. It includes taking an inventory of the medicines you have and the importance of talking to your kids about the dangers of taking medicines that aren’t prescribed to them.

Valente says they’re seeing a 50% increase in the number of young people admitted to addiction treatment facilities because of prescription drug abuse.

Get more information about the American Medicine Chest Challenge.