Cough Syrup Strikes Again

High School.

Pep rallies, homework, algebra, and cough medicine overdoses.

What is wrong with this picture?

“We have had a tremendous response to our educational lectures and literature on cough syrup abuse,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “Unfortunately, we have not gotten out our message fast enough on the dangers of DXM abuse and addiction, or three local students would not have overdosed on it recently.

“People have contacted us who have had either abused cough medicine themselves, and are now addicted to it, or know about others that have. This is not something to be taken lightly. It happens all the time.”

South Forsyth High School, located in the Metro Atlanta Area, saw the results of this a few days ago.

Going to a code blue medical emergency lockdown when three students overdosed on cough syrup, the High School was paralyzed as students and horrified parents who arrived on the scene watched as scores of emergency vehicles, police cars, and media converged.

"It's startling, we didn't know what was going on," said student Ashley Rivers.

Even though the school does drug education, the consequences of cough syrup abuse were not stressed enough.

"We're always trying to lookout for student safety and we have a huge campus at that school. But it's a continuous effort. We're growing fast and new things that come out everyday that could be harmful to students," Sheriff's department spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo said.

Cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan,or DXM, have beneficial effects when taken as recommended, but they can also be abused and lead to serious adverse health consequences.

Parents should be aware of the potential for abuse of these medications, especially when consumed in large quantities, which should signal concern and the possible need for intervention.

Dextromethorphan or DXM - Street Names: DXM, CCC, Triple C, Skittles, Robo, Poor Man's PCP.

What is DXM?

Dextromethorphan is the active cough suppressant found in OTC cough and cold medications. When taken in recommended doses, these medications are safe and effective.

How is DXM Abused?

DXM is taken orally. In order to experience the mind-altering effects of DXM, excessive amounts of liquid or gelcaps must be consumed. The availability and accessibility of these products make them a serious concern, particularly for youth, who tend to be their primary abusers.

What are the Consequences Associated with the Abuse of DXM?

In very large quantities, DXM can cause effects similar to that of ketamine and PCP by affecting similar sites in the brain. These effects can include impaired motor function, numbness, nausea/vomiting, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. On rare occasions, hypoxic brain damage has occurred due to the combination of DXM with decongestants often found in these medications.

In 2006, a question about the use of cough and cold medicines to get high was asked for the first time.  In 2007, 4% of all 8th graders surveyed had abused cough medicine, with 5.4% of 10th graders and 5.9% of 12th graders saying they had.

Source: NIDA

If someone you know is drug addicted, call us.  We have a 76% success rate.

We are Narconon – The New Life Program.

Call Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
      
Copyright © 2008 Narconon of Georgia Inc. (www.drugsno.com) All rights reserved. Narconon and the Narconon Logo are trademarks and service marks owned by the Association for Better living and Education International and are used with its permission. Narconon of Georgia is a non-profit 501© public benefit corporation.