What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?

As more and more reports come in regarding medicine abuse, including over-the-counter cough medicine that contains DXM, Narconon Drug Rehab is pleased to lend its support to S.Res. 614, a U.S. Senate resolution designating August as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month.

Sponsored by Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-Del.) and Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), this initiative calls for community involvement and participation in efforts to educate parents about the dangers of medicine abuse among teens.

"We have been aware of the rise of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse for some time now, and we started a 'What's In Your Medicine Cabinet' campaign early this year," states Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia.

"We wanted to educate parents and children on the dangers of medicine abuse, as, unfortunately, these are erroneously considered 'safe' because they are medicine. Many don't know that overdosing on Coricidin®, which contains the chemical dextromethorphan (or DXM) can cause hallucinations and death."

While traffic deaths rise directly related to DXM abuse, many parents are unaware that not only can Coricidin® and Robitussin® become addictive, but so can Ambien®, Lunesta®, Percocet®, Oxycontin®, and other over-the-counter drugs.

Many states are now considering age restrictions and stronger warnings for the over-the-drugs such as Coricidin®. In New York, for example, Westchester County may become the third New York county, following Nassau and Suffolk, to ban the sale of medications containing DXM to anyone under 18.

According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, half the number of DXM related emergency room visits are people aged 12 to 20, and the number is growing.

Gen. Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO, stated: "While surveys show that overall illicit drug use among youth is on a downward trend, unfortunately the rates of over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse are holding steady, designating August as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month will help bring this issue to the radar screen, and I hope community organizations take advantage of this opportunity to raise awareness about this dangerous trend."

"Drug addiction can occur with many prescription and over the counter medications," continues Ms. Rieser. "Keep track of medications, stored in the medicine cabinet, and monitor your child's behavior. DXM drug addiction can occur at any age, regardless of background or education level. Talk to your children about drug abuse, not just illegal street drugs, but also prescription drugs and over the counter drugs. Monitor your child's internet use, as many sites even tell you how much DXM to take according to your weight. Don't let someone get drug addicted."

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation, over the counter drug abuse, or drug education, call Narconon of Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
 
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