- Posted by David on August 28, 2008
More youth are using cough medicine to get "high." According to a recent report, about 3.1 million people aged 12-25 have used cough and cold medicines to get high at least once in their lifetime. By comparison, the number that report using methamphetamines in their lifetime is 2.4 million people (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2007). Because cough medicine can be beneficial, it is easy for youth and their parents to mistakenly believe cough medicine abuse is less risky than illicit drug use. However, there is no safe "high" with cough medicine and reports are showing an increasing number of emergency room visits due to cough medicine overdoses (DAWN, 2004).
Know! that abuse of cough medicine is a serious problem and it can be prevented.
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Talk to your child about the dangers of all drugs including medicines that seem "safe" because they are prescribed or are available at most stores.
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Make sure your child knows there is no "safe high." Cough and cold medicines should only be used as directed.
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Teach your child to read directions and ingredients on over-the-counter medicines. Talk about the risks of combining different medications. For example: some cough and cold medicines contain acetaminophen and should not be used with other pain relievers like Tylenol.
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Secure all medications. Cough and cold medicines should be secured and their use should be monitored.Dispose of outdated or old cough and cold medicines.
Info. from the Drug-Free Action Alliance