Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is joining with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Consumer Health Products Association (CHPA) in supporting National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month by helping bring attention to the misuse and abuse of over-the-counter cough medicines by teenagers and young adults.
Statistics provided by the industry show that one in 25 teens abuses over-the-counter cough medicine to get high.
“As Attorney General of Kentucky, I’ve focused my efforts on educating middle and high school students about the dangers of prescription drugs,” said Conway.
“Parents also need to know that teens may be abusing cough medicine that’s available in the family medicine cabinet or a cold aid that can be purchased at any local pharmacy. I appreciate the opportunity to protect Kentucky teens and families by raising awareness about this issue through the Stop Medicine Abuse campaign,” added Conway.
People who abuse cough syrup are seeking dextromethorphan, better known as DXM.
DXM is a common ingredient in cough and combination cold/cough medicines. When someone takes more than the recommended dosage, he or she may experience hallucinations similar to those produced by PCP or ketamine. Side effects of DXM abuse include slurred speech and trouble breathing. Overdosing on DXM can lead to a coma.
The Stop Medicine Abuse campaign works to inform parents and teens about the dangers of DXM abuse. The campaign encourages parents to talk to their teens about the dangers, to safeguard their medicines, and to spread the word in their communities.
This year, the CHPA and CADCA are partnering to promote an online engagement campaign to help spread the word about medicine abuse by mobilizing parents to post photos showcasing their words of affirmation to their teens and encouragement to other parents.
Story provided by the Office of the Attorney General