There have been a number of scientific studies lately showing that dextromethorphan is being of used extensively by many teenagers without their parents knowledge. Parents need to be aware that cough medicine containing this drug can be dangerous even though it's sold as an over-the-counter cough remedy.
Dextromethorphan has led to many teens ending up in the emergency room, drug rehab centers and sometimes a funeral. Let's take a look at some of the ways you can spot this abuse and educate your children as well.
The dextromethorphan is sold over-the-counter in hundreds of different cough and cold medications. Popular brands such as NyQuil and Robitussin are advertised continually on TV, making them household names, and seemingly less dangerous.
Recent studies have shown well in excess of 3 million teenagers per year abuse over-the-counter cold and cough medicines containing just that one cough suppressant. That is equal to, or more than, the number of teens that abuse LSD, meth, or ecstasy to put it in perspective for you.
Upon discovering that their teens have abused dextromethorphan, many parents go into denial mode that it's not that dangerous. However, it is on the level with other incredibly dangerous illegal drugs like ketamine and PCP that many parents, and their children wouldn't even think of touching. Cough medicine can be a powerful central nervous system depressant similar to opium or heroin and put a child in the hospital in a coma unable to wake up for days, weeks, or forever.
As you can see, over-the-counter cough medicine is nothing to sneeze at. If you think your children are abusing it, it's time to sit down and have a long talk with them, and maybe get them professional help to break their addiction. As far as parents are concerned, it's important to be aware at all times of how much over-the-counter medications you have on hand, and if you see empty bottles in the garbage in large quantities it's time to investigate.
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