KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Federal officials said nearly one in five teens has abused prescription drugs -- and many are getting them right from home.

• Web Site:Proper Drug Disposal

Officials said that parents not properly throwing away leftover medication is a major source of the drugs.

Unused or expired prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet can be hazardous to your kids' health -- and the health of the environment, said federal officials.

"Don’t leave these very powerful medications unmonitored in a way, they can get into the life of a teen,” said Dr. David Murray, Office of National Drug Control Policy.

He said that parents should take unused drugs out of original containers when they’re ready to dispose of them.

"Don’t just take a pill bottle that says prescription, powerful medication, and put it out in the trash. The prospect is there that it will get diverted,” said Murry.

He also suggested mixing prescription drugs with unpleasant substances, like used coffee grounds to further deter misuse.

Officials said parents could also ask a pharmacist about take-back programs in the area, where unused medications can be returned.

Officials said that teens would often use prescription drugs rather than street drugs because of the misconception that they are safer. They say it as just as important to discuss prescription drugs with their children.

Officials say right now there are no plans to put disposal guidelines in all prescription packaging, so they try to get the word out in other ways.