YOUR TEEN’S LATEST HIGH MIGHT HIT CLOSER TO HOME THAN YOU THINK

COUGH AND COLD MEDICINES FROM THE CABINENT – A CONVENIENT NEW HIGH FOR YOUR TEEN

Many parents have no idea that teens are abusing these products. But 1 in 25 eighth graders abused over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold remedies in the past year. (1)
Like prescription drugs, OTC’ s are often found at home. In many areas, teens can buy them at stores, quite easily.

But that doesn’t mean they’re safe to use without proper supervision. Teens underestimate the dangers of abusing OTC drugs. Many contain Dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant, which can cause delusions, loss of consciousness, and even death when taken in excessive amounts. And taking these drugs with alcohol can make the effects even more dangerous.

Parents can help stop abuse of these products with three steps:

1. Safeguard your prescription AND OTC drugs, especially those containing DXM. Monitor quantities and control access. Ask friends and family to do the same.

2. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused meds in the trash.

3. Talk to your kids about the dangers. Set clear rules for teens about all drug and alcohol use, including never taking medicine without permission and always following proper dosages. And be a good ROLE MODEL when it comes to these issues.

Watch for warning signs your teen is using, such as empty bottles or packages and behavior changes, such as mood swings, or changes in appetite or sleep habits.

***Slang Terms Teens are using to describe cough and cold remedies:

DXM                            SKITTLES

ROBO                          TRIPLE C

SYRUP                         RED DEVILS

TUSSIN

DEX

You can help keep your teen safe and drug-free. To learn more about OTC drug abuse and what you can do to stop it, visit: www.TheAntiDrug.com or call 1-800-788-2800

PARENTS. THE ANTI-DRUG.

(1)2007 Monitoring the Future Study, U. of Michigan, Nat’l Instit. On Drug Abuse

Office of Nat’l Drug Control Policy