Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse

From: http://www.theantidrug.com/

Teens are abusing some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as cough and cold remedies, to get high. Many of these products are widely available and can be purchased at supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores. Many OTC drugs that are intended to treat headaches, sinus pressure, or cold/flu symptoms contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM) and are the ones that teens are using to get high. When taken in high doses, DXM can produce a "high" feeling and can be extremely dangerous in excessive amounts.

Over-the-counter drug abuse also occurs with laxatives, diuretics, emetics, and diet pills, as teens try to achieve an idealized weight.¹ Young people may start taking just a few diet pills but then graduate to full addiction and dependence. Ephedrine, caffeine, and phenylpropranolamine are just some of the dangerous and addictive substances found in diet pills. Herbal, sometimes referred to as "natural", weight loss products can be just as dangerous as diet pills. All of these substances act as stimulants to the central nervous system and much like speed, can have serious and potentially fatal side effects.²

Is your teen using OTC drugs to get high?

A recent study found that six percent of 12th graders reported past year abuse of cough or cold medicines to get high.³ That amounts to about one in every 16 high school seniors.

Signs and symptoms of abuse may include:

Short-term effects

Impaired judgment, nausea, loss of coordination, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, numbness of fingers and toes, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, aches, seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, euphoria, cold flashes, dizziness, and diarrhea.⁴

Long-term effects

Addiction, restlessness, insomnia, high-blood pressure, coma, or even death.⁵

Where do teens get them?

In many parts of the country, teens can easily buy OTC cough and cold remedies at any supermarket, drugstore, or convenience store where these products are sold. They can also get them from home, or order them over the Internet. And even if they do not order OTC drugs online, they can surf the Web to find information and videos on what drugs to try and mix together.

How do teens abuse OTC drugs?

Teens take large doses to get high, sometimes mixing these drugs with prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol. Some teens crush pills and snort them for an intensified effect.

Could your teen overdose on OTC drugs?

Yes. The point at which teens may overdose on OTC drugs varies depending on the amount of the drugs they took, over what time period, and if other drugs were mixed. Some OTC drugs are weak and cause minor distress, while others are very strong and can cause more serious problems or even death. If you suspect your teen has overdosed on OTC drugs, take them to the emergency room or call an ambulance immediately for proper care and treatment by a medical doctor.

Other drug and alcohol interactions

Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, and loss of coordination. It can put users at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. Alcohol also can decrease the effectiveness of many needed medications or make them totally ineffective.

Some of these medications can be purchased over the counter - at a drugstore or grocery store - without a prescription, including herbal remedies and others you may never have suspected of reacting negatively with alcohol.

Before you or your teen take any prescription or OTC medication, carefully read the label, and/or consult with your family physician or local pharmacist. And never mix medications with alcohol. Parents should set clear rules and consistently enforce those rules against any underage drinking.

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Not all teens are using drugs and alcohol. But the facts say that if they do try substances, they can damage their brains and that they are trying substances at a younger age. And the law says that underage drinking and drug use is illegal. So how can we put more protective factors into place and prevent middle and high school aged youth from trying drugs and alcohol in the first place? Young people, especially teenagers that are beginning to test their independence. But when they are asked, they will tell you that they really value structure and guidance.   They want a way out – a way to say "No" to their friends who may be suggesting using drugs or alcohol.

The Anti-Drug website says, "Research shows that kids who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use drugs. Before going out, have them tell you WHO they are going to be spending time with, WHAT they will be doing, WHEN or what time they will be at their expected destination and finally, exactly WHERE they are going to be. Every once in a while, check on your teens to see if they're where they said they would be. It's not pestering, it's parenting."

Preventing your children from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol is not a one- time activity; it is a way of parenting from a young age. The most powerful tool is talking. Talking starts early,  must happen often and adults need the facts before they begin. Beyond talking, is involvement. Children needing positive things to do and parents need to know what their children are doing. This last part may feel intrusive and most teens will help you feel that way, but knowing the details of who your child's friends are, where they are going and what is going on at the event can be important, even life saving, information.