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Quincy, Ill.-- I called area schools in Quincy,  Hannibal and Keokuk. School officials told me that they haven't heard of any trends and no problems had been brought to their attention. But just because an issue hasn't been brought to their attention doesn't mean it's not going on. I talked to a Prevention Specialist with Mental Health Centers of Western Illinois. She told me that getting high on over-the counter medicines can cause blurred vision, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, dilated pupils, even death.

Alexis: Why do you think teenagers especially result to this type of behavior?

Peggy Johns says," It's just a way to get out of their real life situations if there's problems at home. Over-the-counter drugs are easier to get, it's not something that they have to go out and buy from someone. It's something available."

Johns says that's why it's important for parents to talk with their kids about the dangers.

"Just have a regular normal conversation about any kind of drug," said Johns.

Johns says just because medicine is labeled over-the-counter doesn't mean it's safe. In addition to looking for the signs of drug abusing, pay attention to your medical cabinets. If you notice unusual boxes open or missing, address the problem before it gets out of hand.

If you do suspect your child is abusing over-the-counter medicines, get them help right away.

By the way, we've already received a comment about this story on our website, saying this isn't anything new...that high school kids were doing this six years ago.

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