As a parent you are probably aware of the illegal drugs that teenagers can use and abuse, but did you know that one of the most abused drugs may be found in your medicine cabinet? Across the nation there have been reports of teens abusing over-the-counter (OTC) medications to get high.

Knowing the facts about OTC drugs and prescribed medications can help you look for the signs of abuse, monitor the use of certain household medications, and talk with your children about the proper use of medications and the health risks associated with their abuse.

What is Dextromethorphan?
OTC cough and cold remedies are among the most widely used and abused. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough-suppressant found in a variety of cold and cough medications. Misuse or abuse of the drug creates both depressant and mild hallucinogenic effects. Users report feelings ranging from a mild stimulant effect with distorted visual perceptions at low doses to a sense of complete dissociation from one’s body at higher doses. If a teenager consumes large doses, it may cause a number of adverse effects, including impaired judgment and mental performance, loss of coordination, dizziness, nausea, hot flashes, dissociation, and hallucinations. Overdose may lead to irreversible damage or death.

A teenager looking to get high or experiment with drugs may turn to OTC products that have DXM because it is readily available at home or the local drug store. DXM can also be purchased in a bulk powder from the Internet. Some websites encourage teenagers to abuse DXM and actually offer “recipes” for the best way to achieve a high.

How Can I Tell if my Child is Abusing OTC Medications?
You should be concerned if you notice the following signs:
• Your child is taking excessive amounts of a cold and flu remedy.
• Your child continues to take medicine even after symptoms have subsided.
• Cough and cold medications seem to disappear from the medicine cabinet.
• You find packages of cough and cold preparations in the child’s room, backpack, car, etc.

What Can I Do?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following basic preventative steps can help your child understand the importance of using OTC medications responsibly and help discourage abuse.
• Talk to your child. Speak with your children often about the importance of carefully following directions on the labels of all OTC medications. Help them understand the dangers of abusing OTC cough and cold medications.
• Be mindful of the season. Your child can benefit from medicinal relief of cough, cold, and flu symptoms by taking OTC medications according to the instructions on the manufacturer’s label. But be aware if your child is using cough and cold medications outside of cold and flu season or if he or she continues to self-medicate after symptoms have subsided.
• Check your home. Take a quick inventory of all consumer products kept in your home. Be aware of the products in your medicine cabinet, and ask questions if you notice that any products are used frequently or disappear.
• Monitor your child’s Internet use. Some Internet sources sell DXM as a bulk powder form or encourage teens to share their experiences of abuse. These sites are not regulated so it becomes increasingly imperative that you be aware of your child’s sources of information. Ask them if they think the source is credible. Ensure your child’s Internet time is properly supervised.

If you have suspicions or are concerned that your child has already started abusing OTC medications, you can get more information at okcsos.com, or call Mike Maddox with Specialized Outpatient Services at 405-810-1766 ext. 223 to discuss options, drug testing, assessment, and other treatment options

Source: Scientific information provided by The National Institute on Drug Abuse.

James Patterson is certified substance abuse counselor and the founder and executive director of Specialized Outpatient Services. SOS offers a wide range of assessment, referral, drug testing, outpatient, and intensive outpatient substance abuse services for teens and families in the OKC Metro area.