Over the counter drugs (also known as OTC’s), have become an increasing problem for parents and businesses, due to the growing popularity for teens trying to get high. OTC drugs commonly abused by teens are cough and cold medicines, and medicines designed to treat sinus pressure, cold and flu symptoms, fever, and headaches. The OTC medicines abused by teens contain dextromethorphan, also known as DXM. Popular OTC cough and cold medicine brands include Coricidin, Robitussin, Triaminic, and Vicks.
Teens abuse the OTC drugs by taking large doses orally, to achieve a “high” and often mix these drugs with prescription drugs, marijuana, other street drugs, and alcohol. Teens may also crush the contents of the pill form of OTC drugs, and inhale the drug through nasal passages.
Teens abusing OTC drugs, have both short -term and long- term effects as a result of OTC drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction. The Short-term effects include hospitalization, 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. Long-term effects include restlessness, insomnia, high-blood pressure, coma, or death.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified DXM as a “drug of concern”, due to the abuse and addiction to OTC drugs as well as the danger associated with DXM. Although many stores have placed DXM products behind the pharmacy counter, many stores (grocery) still provide the supply of DXM and OTC drugs on the shelves for anyone’s purchase. DXM and OTC drugs are not age restricted for purchase.
Teen Drug Treatment for OTC drug abuse and addiction is found in a teen drug rehab that incorporates an individual treatment plan and an educational component for OTC drug abuse, in the teen drug rehabilitation program. The purpose of choosing to send a teen to a teen drug rehab is to address the drug abuse behavior immediately and prevent permanent damage to the teen. Teens will gain an understanding of the cycle of addiction, gain knowledge of the 12 steps to recovery, cultivate individual accountability for daily life responsibilities, and begin to focus on family life and participation in the family, respecting and adhering to family structure, rules, boundaries, and guidelines. Teen rehab also provides numerous therapies to address issues that may have led to a teen “self medicating”. Therapies include individual, group, family, trauma, coping skills, education, music and art therapy, as well as a variety of experiential and holistic therapies.
If you know or suspect a teen is abusing or addicted to OTC drugs, call for help. Inspirations Teen Rehab is a nationally recognized adolescent drug treatment center, designed to meet the needs of teens and their families. Call 888-757-6237
or visit our website: http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
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