August Is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month

Tuesday August 12, 2008

This year's observance of National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month is aimed at educating parents about the danger of medicine abuse among young children, especially the abuse of cough mediations containing the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM).

Many young people abuse cough medication to get high because it is relatively inexpensive and readily available.

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) are holding townhall type meetings nationwide to help communities educate parents about the problem.

"When used correctly, dextromethorphan-containing medicines have a 50-year history of being safe and effective," the CADCA said in a news release. "But when abused in extreme excess, dextromethorphan can produce dangerous side effects, especially when combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs."

A Dangerous Trend

According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, half the number of DXM related emergency room visits are people aged 12 to 20.

"While surveys show that overall illicit drug use among youth is on a downward trend, unfortunately the rates of over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse are holding steady," said Gen. Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO. "Designating August as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month will help bring this issue to the radar screen, and I hope community organizations take advantage of this opportunity to raise awareness about this dangerous trend."

Town hall meetings are scheduled during August in Seattle, Washington; San Antonio, Texas; and Miami, Florida.

More information on efforts to help curb cough medicine abuse is available at StopMedicineAbuse.org.

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