My Medicine Cabinet is My Child’s Dealer

Okay, my medicine cabinet is not really my child’s dealer, but it could have been easily had I not know the risks that lingered in there, tempting my child to use to gain a high.

Everyone take a moment to go to your medicine cabinet and look at what is easily assessable to your children. You would be surprised at what our kids are getting high on today, and you are putting it right in their hands. You purchase it, and stock it – over the counter drugs such as cough and cold medicine. It is the new drug of choice for kids in the age range of 13 to 16. Why - because no one would necessarily expect it nor question why they are carrying a bottle of cough syrup or cold medications around with them.

It all seems innocent enough – just how high could one get – right? Well know this.. Hospitals have reported dozens of deaths over the past two years and even more overdoses from over the counter medicines such as Robitussin, Nyquil, Vicks Formula 44, and Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold tablets. These medicines contain a chemical called Dextromethorphan (DXM). The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies DXM as a “drug of concern” because if misused it can be very dangerous. DXM is a synthetic drug that is chemically similar to morphine and has been added to cough syrups and some cold medications since the 1970’s.

DXM is cheap for kids to get, even if it isn’t in their home medicine cabinet, and even cheaper then typical street drugs. Top it off; there is a ton of information online that informs kids just how much of certain OTC medications they need to take to achieve a high. Here is the kicker, although Drug Enforcement Administration classifies DXM as a “drug of concern”, there are no legal restrictions on purchasing it. Kids can buy it on the net! Some common names kids use to reference this type of drug use are Robo, Skittles, Triple C’s, Dex, Vitamin D, and Tussin. If you hear these words, have a sit down, assess the situation carefully, and get intervention help if necessary. Educate your child the risks associated with using OTC medications out of context.

However, also keep in mind that DMX is not the only OTC drug our youth are turning to - diet pills, sleep aids, and motion sickness medication are a few of the other commonly abused OTC the youth are using today. OTC drugs are dangerous and can easily result in overdose or death. Parents should be aware of the dangers. Educate yourself on the drugs you bring in to your home. Lock them up if you have concerns otherwise monitor them closely so you can quickly assess large dosages missing at any one given time.

If you need help or know of someone who does, please contact A Better Tomorrow today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/