Posted Friday, February 13, 2009 --- 6:32 p.m.

According to the website connectwithkids.com, OxyContin abuse by teens continues to rise.

OxyContin is a very effective pain reliever that works for as long as 12 hours.

But it can also be an addictive drug, closely related to morphine.

It's important to point out, the supply of OxyContin is soaring and the FDA reports it may have played a role in the deaths of nearly 500 people in the years 2000 and 2001 alone!

Now, because the FDA approves these prescriptions, many teens assume it's safe.

Here are some ways the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests looking for warning signs of OxyContin abuse in your teen.

+Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes and a lasting cough.
+Personality change, sudden mood changes,and irritability
+Starting arguments, breaking rules or withdrawing from the family
+Lack of interest in school and new friends who feel the same way.

Of course experts recommend getting your kid to a doctor, no matter what it takes, if you suspect any kind of drug abuse.