The availability of over-the-counter medications that contain DXM is a major problem that parents need to pay attention to. Many families have cough syrup in the medicine cabinet, ready to be abused. Experts say that many parents are in the dark about the dangers of using DXM to get high.

When combined with other stimulant drugs like caffeinated beverages, energy drinks, and prescription drugs to treat ADHD, the effects can be fatal.

According to a 2006 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, more than three million people ages 12 to 25 abused cough medications. About 48 percent of the people who were taken to the emergency room for DXM abuse were between the ages of 12 and 20, according to the survey.

Signs of DXM abuse include a medicinal smell on your child’s breath, empty or missing cough syrup bottles, and changes in attitude and sleeping habits.

Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of abusing cough syrup and be aware of the websites he or she visits, as there are a number of web sites that give information on how much cough syrup to take, how to extract DXM from cough medications, and even how to buy a powdered form of DXM for snorting.

Sources: CNN Health, Parents Be Warned: Your Kids May Be "Robo Tripping," July 8, 2010

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Teen Cough Syrup Abuse

The Dangers of DXM is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

Empty bottles found in bedrooms give a clear indication that a teen is “robotripping”. This term is used to describe the habit of drinking an entire bottle of cough syrup at once or popping rounds of cough suppressant pills.

According to national data, more than 125 commercial cough remedies in the United States contain the synthetic drug, dextromethorphan (DMX). Similar to morphine, this drug acts as a central nervous system depressant.

DMX is very dangerous if abused, especially when it is mixed with other drugs. If it is taken frequently, it is addictive and many users report that once they are addicted, they have a hard time walking by medicine counters in grocery stores as the craving is so great.

Poison control experts have noted a four-fold increase in abuse cases of over-the-counter cough medication since 2000. The DEA is now monitoring the abuse of DXM and warns that the drug could be added to the Controlled Substances Act if warranted.

One treatment center expert warns that drug addiction can occur with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important for parents to keep track of medications, keep them stored in the medicine cabinet and monitor the behavior of their children.

Addiction to DXM can occur at any age and to anyone, regardless of background. Experts suggest that Internet use among children also be monitored as many sites will offer suggestions on how much DXM to take according to weight to achieve the desired high. A proactive approach really is the best way to prevent this abuse.
 

Cough Medicine Becoming Easy High for Students is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment