Although uncommon, Methadone is slowly becoming known as the latest killer drug. Methadone, a powerful depressant is commonly prescribed for detoxification of heroine addicts.

But as recent cases are proving, addiction to methadone has been becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and adolescents in the area, despite the difficulty of acquiring it.

Andrea Rohlena, with Jackson Recovery Center, says, "There are no Methadone clinics in our surrounding area. I believe the closest one is located in Des Moines."

These types of clinics only provide single, daily doses to prescribed patients. The fact that overdose cases are climbing, shows that although difficult to come by, Methadone is still accessible.

Folks at Jackson Recovery Rehabilitation Centers say the #1 sign of Methadone addiction is continued use of the drug despite negative side effects.

Rohlena says, "They know it's causing harm in their life, they know that bad things are happening, but they are still using because they are unable to stop by themselves."

Rohlena adds that Methadone addiction is especially dangerous in teens. Adolescent cases can oftentimes become fatal.

"Technically, our brain doesn't stop developing until the age of 25. The last part of it to develop is the frontal lobe which is our area where we have all of our judgment. A teenager's judgement is already not as fully developed because that part of the brain has not developed."

The increase in Methadone overdoses and deaths seems to shock many drug experts because it doesn't provide a quick high like Amphetamines. Its delayed narcotic effect is a major reason the drug can be so dangerous.

Experts at Jackson Recovery say other signs of drug abuse include decreased academic performance, lack of interest in normal activities and withdrawal from friends and family.

Prevention is also key. Rehab centers encourage you to throw away old prescription drugs and keep tabs on the medications you keep in the home.