Drug Counselors around the country have seen a significant rise in the sales of cold and cough medicines that contains chemical agents like Dextromethorphan (DXM) and Promethazine-codeine. Cold medicines that are sold over-the-counter (OTC) is considered safe enough to be stocked at home, without any vigilance. However, an underlying and omnipresent threat is associated with these seemingly innocent medications. Some of these medicines have gained the notoriety among teenagers and young adults for triggering addiction patterns.
Digging Deeper into Cold Medicines that can Trigger Dependence
Cold and cough suppressant medicines contain active psychoactive ingredients—these chemicals have the ability to induce addiction when consumed in high concentration. Some of prescription cough Medications contain harmful drugs that research studies have found capable enough to trigger addiction patterns or cravings. This includes expectorants and antihistamines. In this discussion, we are going to talk about cold medicine addiction abuse that presents clear and present danger since teens and young adults have easy access to these household medications.
Harmful Chemicals: Dextromethorphan & Promethazine Codeine
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common cough suppressant found in many OTC cold medicines. It triggers euphoria and hallucinations when taken in large quantities. It is especially given in a low concentration formula for pediatric use though many healthcare professionals don't encourage this practice. Promethazine-codeine is a another common ingredient used in cough syrups that is works as an effective cough suppressant but is responsible for inducing euphoria or a feeling of pleasure, mixed with drowsiness, when used in larger quantities. It also contains Promethazine HCl that is known to be an effective sedative. Both these agents are at the core of most cough and cold formulation but can lead to cold medicine abuse even in the presence of parents or adults.
Another threat lies in the form of teens mixing cough syrups with alcohol like beer to create an even more damaging concoction. In fact, most of the anti-histamines or decongestants we buy off the shelf present this issue. Even some of the fever reducing medications is known to induce a feeling of pleasure that can be very addictive. Overdosing can go beyond the threat of addiction, i.e. proving fatal. Other medical problems include impaired motor function, numbness, increased heart rate or blood pressure and nausea/vomiting.
This is just the tip of the iceberg if we put Cold Medicine Drug Abuse in context. There are plenty of other over the counter medications that can lead to dependence and serious addictions. We recommend seeking the help of caregivers at Quapaw House who have been serving and supporting the community to get rid of alcoholism and drug addiction since 1980.
Summary
Cold medicine abuse is witnessing a significant rise over the past few years. We need community level awareness to ensure this menace is arrested before it turns into a fast-spreading social plague. Seeking the help of professionals who excel in the niche of Detoxification & De-addiction programs like those conducted by Quapaw House is a good way to raise awareness and take preventive measures.
Digging Deeper into Cold Medicines that can Trigger Dependence
Cold and cough suppressant medicines contain active psychoactive ingredients—these chemicals have the ability to induce addiction when consumed in high concentration. Some of prescription cough Medications contain harmful drugs that research studies have found capable enough to trigger addiction patterns or cravings. This includes expectorants and antihistamines. In this discussion, we are going to talk about cold medicine addiction abuse that presents clear and present danger since teens and young adults have easy access to these household medications.
Harmful Chemicals: Dextromethorphan & Promethazine Codeine
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common cough suppressant found in many OTC cold medicines. It triggers euphoria and hallucinations when taken in large quantities. It is especially given in a low concentration formula for pediatric use though many healthcare professionals don't encourage this practice. Promethazine-codeine is a another common ingredient used in cough syrups that is works as an effective cough suppressant but is responsible for inducing euphoria or a feeling of pleasure, mixed with drowsiness, when used in larger quantities. It also contains Promethazine HCl that is known to be an effective sedative. Both these agents are at the core of most cough and cold formulation but can lead to cold medicine abuse even in the presence of parents or adults.
Another threat lies in the form of teens mixing cough syrups with alcohol like beer to create an even more damaging concoction. In fact, most of the anti-histamines or decongestants we buy off the shelf present this issue. Even some of the fever reducing medications is known to induce a feeling of pleasure that can be very addictive. Overdosing can go beyond the threat of addiction, i.e. proving fatal. Other medical problems include impaired motor function, numbness, increased heart rate or blood pressure and nausea/vomiting.
This is just the tip of the iceberg if we put Cold Medicine Drug Abuse in context. There are plenty of other over the counter medications that can lead to dependence and serious addictions. We recommend seeking the help of caregivers at Quapaw House who have been serving and supporting the community to get rid of alcoholism and drug addiction since 1980.
Summary
Cold medicine abuse is witnessing a significant rise over the past few years. We need community level awareness to ensure this menace is arrested before it turns into a fast-spreading social plague. Seeking the help of professionals who excel in the niche of Detoxification & De-addiction programs like those conducted by Quapaw House is a good way to raise awareness and take preventive measures.
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