The latest research on teenage drug use across the country shows that, next to marijuana, the most common drugs teens use to get high are prescription medications.

Austin's new police chief, Art Acevedo, welcomed the nation's drug czar Friday morning to address the trend.

"They've been turning to prescription drugs because they gotten irresponsible advice on the Internet, or their friends," said John Walters, White House drug czar. "Street drugs are dangerous -- they're risky. But prescription drugs are from a regulated industry, they're safe, and they're being given advice about what pills to take in combination for a so-called 'safe high.'"

A national survey shows one third of all new abusers of prescription drugs in 2005 were 12 to 17-year-olds. Girls are abusing prescription drugs at a higher rate than boys.

The survey finds they're finding their high at home, and parents are encouraged to talk to their teens about prescription drugs. Experts say many of the drugs equate to being a synthetic form of heroin.

Parents are encouraged to throw away any unused medications in the cabinet.