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02-23-2005, 05:16 PM
http://www.wtoctv.com/global/story.asp?s=2...tType=Printable (http://www.wtoctv.com/global/story.asp?s=2987599&ClientType=Printable)
02/23/05
Special Assignment: Kids and Cough Medicine--Part II
You probably take them all the time when you're sick. But did you know cough and cold medications can be very addictive? More and more parents are finding out the hard way when their kids get hooked. Some people figure it's alcohol in the syrup, but that's not it at all.
Take a look in your medicine cabinet and check out your cold medications. You should be looking for one word: dextromethorphan. On the street, it's called DXM. If you have it, experts say lock it up before your kids get into it.
Behavior specialist John Capachione says the drug hooking your children is clearly listed on the back of some common cold medicines. "It's a narcotic derivative that will cause a hallucinogenic high," he told us. "I just recently dealt with a few 18- and 19-year-olds abusing DXM."
According to Capachione, DXM has become a drug of choice at all-night dance parties known as raves. "It's almost like DXM has turned into mini-ecstasy," he said. "They'll dance and do this physical activity to get their body temperature up. And that is a lethal combination."
"It's a new high," said Cheryl Davidson, a pharmacy student. "They try it out. They are at that age to be experimental."
Davidson says pharmacies may have to eventually put cold medications with DXM in them behind the counter. But she says if kids want it, they can still get it. "They can go to a gas station. They don't even have to come into a pharmacy."
"If you have a teenager, and you have cold medications, keep them where they can't reach it," advised Capachione.
Capachione says check your medicine cabinets, watch your child's behavior. And even their grades in school. He warns, if you notice a drastic change, the problem may be hitting home. "We need to educate people to tell them this is a serious problem."
And there can be serious physical problems associated with cold medicine abuse and addiction. Liver problems, breathing problems and even cardiac arrest.
And one thing Capachione points to is the internet. He says if you look up cocaine or marijuana, a bunch of websites will pop up for treatment and rehab. Type in DXM, and you get websites showing you how to extract it from pills and how to reach a new high.
02/23/05
Special Assignment: Kids and Cough Medicine--Part II
You probably take them all the time when you're sick. But did you know cough and cold medications can be very addictive? More and more parents are finding out the hard way when their kids get hooked. Some people figure it's alcohol in the syrup, but that's not it at all.
Take a look in your medicine cabinet and check out your cold medications. You should be looking for one word: dextromethorphan. On the street, it's called DXM. If you have it, experts say lock it up before your kids get into it.
Behavior specialist John Capachione says the drug hooking your children is clearly listed on the back of some common cold medicines. "It's a narcotic derivative that will cause a hallucinogenic high," he told us. "I just recently dealt with a few 18- and 19-year-olds abusing DXM."
According to Capachione, DXM has become a drug of choice at all-night dance parties known as raves. "It's almost like DXM has turned into mini-ecstasy," he said. "They'll dance and do this physical activity to get their body temperature up. And that is a lethal combination."
"It's a new high," said Cheryl Davidson, a pharmacy student. "They try it out. They are at that age to be experimental."
Davidson says pharmacies may have to eventually put cold medications with DXM in them behind the counter. But she says if kids want it, they can still get it. "They can go to a gas station. They don't even have to come into a pharmacy."
"If you have a teenager, and you have cold medications, keep them where they can't reach it," advised Capachione.
Capachione says check your medicine cabinets, watch your child's behavior. And even their grades in school. He warns, if you notice a drastic change, the problem may be hitting home. "We need to educate people to tell them this is a serious problem."
And there can be serious physical problems associated with cold medicine abuse and addiction. Liver problems, breathing problems and even cardiac arrest.
And one thing Capachione points to is the internet. He says if you look up cocaine or marijuana, a bunch of websites will pop up for treatment and rehab. Type in DXM, and you get websites showing you how to extract it from pills and how to reach a new high.