GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – People who abuse prescription drugs are 40 times more likely to start using heroin, a drug on the rise.

Locking up prescription medicine can save families a lot of heartaches.

“Lock Med” boxes are good for anything you want to keep safe.

One woman from Greenville called the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office after some of her medication disappeared. A deputy brought her one of the containers and now she wants everyone to consider getting what she calls “the box.”

“I’m telling every senior citizen, medicine taker; please get the box,” said Sadie Washington, Lock Med owner.

Washington is talking about Lock Med; a container to hold, store and lock away prescription medications.

“I’m telling every senior citizen, medicine taker; please get the box,” said Sadie Washington, Lock Med owner.

Washington is talking about lock med; a container to hold, store and lock away prescription medications.

“I’m very happy, I feel safe,” said Washington.

The box opens on each side and can contain as much medication as needed. 9 On Your Side tested the box, and it cannot be opened after it is locked up.

“We want to get these drugs off the streets we don’t want people stealing them, taking them, away from their houses and either selling them to get other drugs or using them themselves,” said Samantha Soares, of the Pitt County Coalition on Substance Abuse.

Soares works with the Pitt County Coalition of Substance Abuse, the organization which provided the Sheriff’s office with Washington’s lock box.

She says this container won’t solve all drug addiction problems, but it’s a start.

“We’re limiting access because you can’t you can’t just walk into the bathroom open up, your family member or friends medicine cabinet and takes some pills. It’s in a lock box,” said Soares.

Soares paid Washington a visit Monday afternoon. She showed her how to use the box, something she’s so glad to have.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing, and it saves a lot of headaches saves a lot of problems with the law enforcement,” said Washington.

Soares advises people to keep their boxes hidden in a closet or under the bed.Copyright 2016 WNCT