SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Our reporter asked, “Are you seeing more patients at Tully Hill with this problem? The prescription drug problem?”

"We're seeing many more patients coming in for prescription drug abuse problems, yes," said Dorothy Lennon, M.D. of the Tully Hill Chemical Dependency Center. "Particularly opiates, which are Hydrocodone, OxyContin, those kids of opiates."

They are easy to get and for many, they don't cost a dime. What's lurking in your medicine cabinet could do damage to the teenage mind.

"Certainly at Tully Hill, we see people who have become addicted quite rapidly. We see people, who, after just a few months of use, are addicted," Lennon said.

In April, three students were charged for selling prescription drugs at Chittenango Middle School. In September, two Sauquoit Valley High students became seriously ill after mixing OxyContin and Hydrocodone.

Just days ago, several Marcellus students were brought to the attention of the authorities after allegedly selling prescription drugs at the high school. And as early as Monday at Onondaga Central, a school resource officer discovered a student attempting to sell pills. Police say they confiscated close to 100 Hydrocodone pills from that student. Those involved may be armed with what they believe are harmless drugs providing a temporary high. But they couldn't be more wrong.

"Depending upon how much their using, you can be quite sick when you first stop using. And depending on what the drug of choice is. Actually coming off some medications can be quite difficult and in fact, you can actually die coming off some of the medications," Lennon said. "This is your life that you're going to wind up ruining. Just don't even start. There are plenty of teens that do not use drugs and alcohol. You will not be the only one."

Her message is simple. Talk to your kids.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Tully Hill can help. You can contact the Tully Hill Chemical Dependency Treatment Center at (315) 696-6114 or toll free at 1-800-456-6114.