Over-the-counter
drug abuse facts
Medications that are sold over the counter, including the cough medicine Delsym and the allergy medication Benadryl, are designed to be beneficial. Each of these helps people who are suffering from symptoms related to coughs or colds. However, the facts are that these over the counter drugs are also abused by teen boys.
Over 3% of teens in America abuse over the counter drugs such as Delsym and Benadryl. About a fourth of the teenagers in the US report that they know of someone else who has abused these cold and cough medicines.
Delsym
The active ingredient in Delsym is a synthetically produced drug called Dextromethorphan. It is also known as DXM. The medicine is used for treating a cough. However, when the drug is abused it cause serious consequences for a teen boy. They might experience hallucinations and an “out of body” sensation.
DXM, when misused, can depress brain function, particularly that part that controls breathing and the heart. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, dizziness, slurred speech, and impaired judgment.
Benadryl
Benadryl contains an ingredient known as diphenhydramine, which is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and colds, including sneezing and a runny nose. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that taking diphenhydramine in doses that are higher than recommended can result in seizures, serious heart problems, coma, and even death.
What a Parent Can Do?
As a parent, it is important that you watch for signs of over the counter drug abuse in your teen. These drugs are easy to get, which makes them even more attractive to teenagers. Although you may not have been aware of the potential for misusing helpful medicines such as those designed for coughs and colds, it’s quite possible that your son has been able to get this information easily.
When you have these medications in your home, store them out of sight and out of the reach of younger children. You might even need to lock the medicine cabinet to prevent teens from being able to get to the drugs.
How We Can Help
At ARCH Academy, we focus on helping teen boys who have been abusing drugs, including over the counter drugs. The teenage years are critically for a growing boy and the effects these medications can have on him can be devastating. We’re here to help him and your family overcome his over the counter drug abuse through evidence-based practices.
We also realize that drug abuse and addiction affects the entire family. Our caring staff uses an accredited approach to guide your son and your family through the recovery process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.