Teen Cough Syrup Abuse

Even as the number of kids using alcohol and illegal drugs dropped, the number of teens getting high with cough syrup abuse has been increasing. While many parents are aware of the dangers of recreational drugs, some don't realize there is another dangerous substance that they may be unintentionally supplying their teen with: cough syrup. 

Part of the reason for this may be its accessibility. You don't need to be a certain age to buy cough syrup and it's available at drug stores, convenience stores and supermarkets. Cough syrup can be just as deadly as illegal drugs, a fact that most teens and many parents don't realize.

The dangerous ingredient found in today's cough syrup is dextromethorphan (DXM). The average dose of cough syrup contains 15 to 30 milligrams. In large doses (100 milligrams or more), DXM causes psychedelic effects (such as hallucinations), similar to those produced by LSD. Besides cough syrup, DXM can be found in some cold medicine pills. Other side effects of a large dose of DXM include nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, muscle spasms, high blood pressure, the inability to regulate body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and death.

So how can you stop your children from abusing cough syrup? Talk to them and pay attention. Explain the risks of cough syrup and other over the counter drugs, in addition to recreational drugs and alcohol. Make sure that they understand that just because it's over the counter and generally harmless in small doses doesn't mean that it's safe to abuse. When you're aware of the dangers that face today's children, you can communicate more effectively with your teen. If you do learn that your teen is abusing cough syrup, don't take it lightly. Remember that cough syrup can be just as deadly as any other drug.