NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A new study claims that one out of 10 teenagers in the U.S. has or will intentionally overdose on cough syrup.

Video: Study Says Cough Syrup Being Abused By Teens

In Tennessee, not much is being done to keep tabs on this kind of drug abuse, according to some.

The Greater Faith Baptist Church is used to dealing with struggles.

Church pastor Rev. Michael Joyner recently started a drug and alcohol recovery outreach for teens and said he's found several children addicted to cough medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM).

“It’s worse than what we thought it was,” he said.

When taken in large quantities, DXM can result in a high, and since it’s low-cost and easy to find, it’s easy to abuse.

“We’re trying to work with some different organizations to get these kids some help,” Joyner said.

Many teens have nicknamed the drugs Skittles, candy or red devils.

Pam White is the executive director of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions Across Tennessee (CADCAT). She said that about the same number of children are abusing cough syrup as cocaine, but any other hard facts are hard to find.

“It is a terribly debilitating problem for those that have it,” said White.

CADCAT takes part in a national survey given to teens to gauge drug use and abuse. But they only ask questions regarding tobacco, marijuana and alcohol. White said because of the prevalence of children abusing medication, the survey may soon include questions dealing with those drugs.

“Over-the-counter medications are one of them, prescription drug abuse another and inhalants another,” White said.

Joyner said his church will do what it can in the community to end what seems to have found a place in young culture.

“We’re going to try to do everything that we can to help these kids get off and try to prevent any others from getting on,” Joyner said.

Officials said the trend is hard for the police and the Drug Enforcement Agency to track people who abuse cough medication because it is legal to buy.

According to CADCAT, overall drug use in Tennessee is going down.

For more information about the drug DXM, click here.