Dartmouth Police Department
Detective Robert Levinson
I recently watched a news segment about a group of mothers that got together to spread the word about the growing problem of cough medicine abuse amongst teens. The mission behind their organization is a simple one; tell five more moms about the nationwide problem, and they will tell another five and another five beyond that. Their goal is to reach every parent in America with this message: that we must work together to educate our teens about the dangers of cough medicine abuse. For more information about this organization please visit www.fivemoms.com.
Here are some of the facts
Cough medicine abuse is reportedly becoming a growing form of drug abuse. Whether in syrup form or tablet form, teenagers and children often consume huge and potentially lethal doses of cough medicine in their quest to get high from DMX (Dextromethorphan), which is an active ingredient capable of offering relief from coughs.
According to a recent study by the National Institute of Drug Abuse involving over 48,000 students, out of the ten most common drugs being abused by those in 12th grade, at least seven are either available over the counter or else they are prescribed. Hardly surprising perhaps, but cough medicine ranks relatively high.
Contrary to what some may believe cough medicine abuse is without a doubt just as dangerous as any illegal drugs. Because of the very nature of DXM, some teenagers describe it as a very mild stimulant; others may experience hallucinations or even total dissociation from the body. In fact, because DXM’s only produce effects when such huge doses are taken, the line is thin between attaining a trance or zoning out and losing consciousness.
Because of the way in which the drug effects one’s visual perception and cognitive processes, coupled with the fact that these effects can last for up to six hours, abusers are at risk of causing injury to themselves and others while under the influence. Judgment and impulse control may be affected.
Essentially, large doses of DXM can produce alarming effects such as the inability to move one’s arms or legs, or even the inability to talk. In fact, such high doses may also result in slow breathing, cerebral hemorrhages, brain damage, stroke, or even death. Furthermore, if the drug is abused when one is over exerting oneself, such as in nightclubs or raves, or if it’s abused in an exceptionally warm environment, the abuser is at risk of hypothermia.
In addition to the serious risks already mentioned above, DXM abuse can also result in nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, head pains, abdominal pain, loss of feeling in fingers and toes, unconsciousness, seizures and death.
There are literally thousands of overdose cases reported by the emergency services across the country and according to the authorities, there seems to be a tendency for DXM overdoses to occur in clusters as word regarding the drug spreads through different schools within a community.
They say that prevention is better than a cure, and this is particularly true when it comes to substance abuse. Whether or not you suspect abuse, all responsible parents should discuss the matter with their kids. Highlighting the dangers of cough medicines and other over the counter drugs at an early stage may well result in you preventing such a scenario from developing. Likewise, if you do have reason to suspect your child is involved, you need to confront them immediately and make your concerns known.
