Canadian, Oklahoma 10/28/2009 11:40:31 PM
Never “Too Much” Information About the Dangers of DXM Abuse
Never “Too Much” Information About the Dangers of DXM Abuse
DXM (Dextromethorphan), a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cough and cold remedies which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, was reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to be responsible for an estimated 12,584 emergency departments visits in 2004. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 1 in 10 teens – more than 2.4 million young people – report having abused over-the-counter cough medicines to get high.
Celebrity medical personalities are starting to notice these startling numbers. Recently Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of the popular radio show “Loveline” and the star of the VH1 hits “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House,” announced that he was joining the national Five Moms Campaign whose goal is to further educate parents and legislators about the dangers of cough medicine abuse.
One of the founders of the Five Moms is Misty Fetko, a Registered Nurse, who lost her son Carl to an overdose of a lethal mix of drugs consisting of DXM, Fentanyl (a prescription narcotic) and marijuana. “I was an emergency room nurse. I had recognized signs of substance abuse in patients over the years. Never once did I realize that cough medicine abuse was possible, let alone that my son would be drawn to this dangerous behavior. Through Five Moms I’m hopeful that we can arm other parents with the information and resources that I unfortunately did not have,” said Ms. Fetko.
Rebecca Pool, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with Narconon Arrowhead, applauds the campaign of the Five Moms and Dr. Drew that is educating the public about the dangers of over-the-counter drugs. “Ms Fetko’s story is a tragic one I have heard many times from families trying to get their loved one to Narconon for substance abuse, specifically DXM. Tragically, a number of our clients never arrive due to an accidental overdose before coming to our facility, trying to get that last ‘high’ not realizing how dangerous over-the-counter drugs are. I am always amazed when our younger clients first arrive at our facility and state that their first introduction to ‘getting high’ was with over-the-counter cough syrup containing DXM. The majority of those starting with DXM believed it was safer and not addictive because they had bought it in the local pharmacy and then progressed to mixing it with other drugs and alcohol. This is where educating both our youth and parents on the dangers of DXM abuse and drug addiction is of the utmost importance,” stated Ms. Poole. “Narconon Arrowhead fully supports any organization promoting drug education and prevention. John Bitinas, Narconon Arrowhead’s drug prevention and education specialist, travels across the country delivering drug education and prevention lectures to schools throughout the U.S. John spoke with over 65,000 of our nation’s youth last year and one of the ‘hot’ topics of the year last year was DXM abuse.”
If you would like more information regarding DXM or substance abuse, call Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933 or visit our website at http://www.stopaddiction.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&Itemid=11274&lang=en&show=Never-Too-Much-Information-About-the-Dangers-of-DXM-Abuse.html. The Narconon international network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education programs was founded over 43 years ago. Narconon Arrowhead is the networks premier facility, located in southeast Oklahoma on 216 acres in Arrowhead State Park, is the perfect treatment environment for those addicted who are trying to regain control of their life. Since Narconon’s center opened in Oklahoma in 1990 over 3,580 people have graduated the full program. Over 70% of these graduates are enjoying sober and productive lives today.
