KTKA

The use of prescription meds and over-the-counter drugs among teens is becoming a nationwide concern.

"It just gets more and more surprising what kids will do to get high or to just escape," said Keri Renner, Director of Communications with Kansas Family Partnership.

The Partnership for a Drug Free America's annual tracking study shows one in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication; and the epidemic has hit right here in Shawnee County.

Students at Seaman Middle School were sharing prescription drugs and were turned in by other students.

Keri Renner was surprised to hear what happened even though the organization focuses on drug and alcohol prevention.

"Hearing that it's junior high kids is very alarming," she said. "Of course at any age it's a concern."

Renner said prescription drug use is on the rise because it's easy for kids to get.

She also said many kids think using prescription meds is not as harmful as using illegal drugs, and that's not the case.

"They don't know what the effects are and that is very, very risky and sometimes dangerous and deadly," she said.

Renner said parents need to educate themselves on the dangers of prescription drug abuse and communicate openly with their kids.

Kansas Family Partnership even has brochures, videos and DVDs for parents to check out for free.

Renner hopes the negative situation at Seaman Middle School will create a sense of awareness about a nationwide problem.

Seaman Middle School principal Bob Horton declined our request for an on-camera interview.

But over the phone, he did say the school takes a team approach to handling these types of situations and says they will continue to be on the look out for any problems.

He also called the students "courageous" for stepping forward to report the problem.