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How does abuse of OTC drugs affect a pregnant woman?

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How does abuse of OTC drugs affect a pregnant woman?

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Abusing OTC drugs can cause restricted blood flow to the fetus and can also cause birth defects in many cases.

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1. OTC's can be just as dangerous as illicit drugs.
2. Read the label of OTC's before taking any medication.
3. Don't take any OTC drugs your friends offer you.
4. The most commonly abused OTCs contain DXM.
5. OTCs can be fatal.
6. Both liquid and capsule form OTCs are consumed.
7. Combining OTCs with alcohol and other substances is extremely dangerous.
8. OCT drugs are easy to find, and also easy to abuse, unlike most other abused drugs.
9. Dieting pills are also commonly used, and are more likely to be fatal than overuse of cough medicine.
10. 1 in 8 teenagers admit to abusing cough medicine.

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Anti-Drug Public Service Announcements - Medicine Chest

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Any recovery program can help OTC addicts, usually starting recovery by learning the 12 step program.

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Narcotics Anonymous at a Glance

What Is Narcotics Anonymous?

Need Help Finding a Center?
overcome any type of drug or alcohol dependence. Membership is free.
Narcotics Anonymous began as an offshoot of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. The 12-step NA recovery program was designed to parallel the one used by Alcoholics Anonymous, and was meant to be a recovery pathway - with all participants following a set of member guidelines and supporting each other's efforts to stay clean.

Today, the 12 steps of recovery are now widely recognizable outside of the many addiction programs (such as NA and AA) that currently exist.

Does NA Work?

In the Narcotics Anonymous 2013 Membership Survey, NA attendance was shown to most commonly improve family relationships, social connections and hobbies. ¹

What Are the NA 12 Steps?

Similar to AA, NA helps participants recover by walking them through a process of 12 steps. Although the 12 steps of NA are meant to be explored in order, many people who are struggling with addictions will visit and revisit various steps over time:

Narcotics Anonymous 12 Steps to Recovery

1. We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction; that our lives had become unmanageable.

When you see the disasters your addiction has caused and acknowledge your real need for help, you face reality with humility and open the door for a changed life.

2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

You learn that your life can turn from hopeless to hopeful - because there is a stronger Power outside of yourself that is able to piece your life back together and renew you. You have the personal choice to decide what or who that Higher Power is for you.

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Your heart, mind and will take action by surrendering to this Higher Power. You trust that this Higher Power will guide your behaviors with better wisdom and care than you can do by yourself.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

As you gently try to peel away the many layers of your being and better understand your depths, you allow yourself to experience a much fuller healing, restoration and freedom.

5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Now that you've more closely examined yourself, you gather your courage and confess - to yourself, to others and to your Higher Power - the darkness that you find inside yourself. By admitting what you've been previously hiding, you can better accept yourself and make changes in your relationships.

6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

By working through your fears and uncertainties about becoming a better person and making the changes you need to make in your life, you prepare yourself to invite your Higher Power to change you.

7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

As you ask your Higher Power to remove your character flaws, you also take actions that give your Higher Power greater ability to work changes into your life.

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Here, you assess all the ways you could have possibly caused harm to others and also to yourself. You then make yourself ready to restore these relationships through both words and actions.

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

First, you need to face your fears and expectations in making these amends; you try to forgive anyone who needs your forgiveness and you sensitively evaluate where making amends would do more harm than good. You then take the risk of feeling vulnerable and make amends to these individuals.

10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

You make it a habit to reassess yourself for any future wrongs you may commit as you strive towards better behavior, and you confess your wrongs as soon as you become aware of them.

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

In this step, you continue to increase your reliance on your Higher Power as your source of guidance and as your strength to walk according to this guidance.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

By this point in the Narcotics Anonymous 12 steps, you have renewed yourself through your unique spiritual pathway, having found genuine hope in being able to stay clean and recover. You aim to both continue this pathway, yourself, and also share your journey and hope with others. ²

The Spirituality of the 12 Steps
is not affiliated with a particular religion. However, as is true of many 12-step recovery programs, NA's recovery program may be considered "spiritual,"as the 12 steps of NA refer to "God" or a "Higher Power."
Some individuals may already feel comfortable with this spiritual component of the recovery program. Some may feel neutral about it but may discover during the recovery process that they end up benefitting from this spiritual element. Others may not feel comfortable with any type of spirituality in their recovery process. These individuals can seek out one of the few secular 12-step programs or one of the handful of non-12-step programs that do not include any element of spirituality.

If you need more help deciding which program is best for you, you can give us a call at to speak confidentially with a member of our treatment support team. We will be happy to help you find a program that suits your needs.

What to Expect at Meetings

If you are seeking recovery only from alcohol addiction, you may find greater understanding in NA groups with larger numbers of recovering alcoholics; alternatively, Alcoholics Anonymous is also open to you and may provide some more specific help for your needs.

General Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Rules

Regardless of the group type, here is what you can expect at an NA meeting:

Every attendee should be treated with respect.

Personal sharing is voluntary.

Some meetings may include speakers who can share their own insights.

Only first names are used, and attendance is kept private within the meeting.

Meetings are free to attend; money is accepted by voluntary donation only.

Meeting location does not necessarily indicate affiliation; meetings may be held in public spaces or religious buildings.

Find a Recovery Program

Narcotics Anonymous has positively impacted people around the world by employing the same principles and traditions universally. If you or a loved one is ready to start down the path to sobriety, find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting or organization in your area by visiting the NA Meeting search page .

Members of these chapters are making the same journey to sobriety that you are, and you'll benefit from continued support throughout your 12-step recovery program.

If you are struggling with narcotics dependency and need more intensive help, call us today at where a caring recovery advisor is ready to discuss inpatient rehabilitation options in your area.

Learn More

Join Our Community
Come join the discussion on Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery groups at our online forum.
Sources

[1]. Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Narcotics Anonymous 2013 Membership Survey. NA World Services, Inc., 2014. Web. 25 September 2015. Available at https://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/PR/NA_Membership_Survey.pdf

[2]. World Service Conference Literature Committee. The Narcotics Anonymous Step Working Guide. World Service Office, 1998. Web. 29 September 2015. Available at http://coastalcarolinaarea.org/literature/books/swg.pdf
Recovery.org is not affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous, NA World Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. This information is provided as a resource for those seeking third-party information.
Call Now

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About the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 12-Step Recovery Program

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Need Help Finding a Center? overcome any type of drug or alcohol dependence. Membership is free.Narcotics Anonymous began as an offshoot of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. The 12-step NA recovery program was designed to parallel the one used by Alcoholics Anonymous, and was meant to be a recovery pathway - with all participants following a set of member guidelines and supporting each other's efforts to stay clean.

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Over the counter drugs can lead to an increase in dopamine in the brain, and can bring a sense of calm and sedated feeling similar to club drugs.

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Treatment options include individual and group therapy, 12-step education, relapse-prevention instruction.

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Depression, difficulty processing memories, sleep disturbance, digestive discomfort.

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Can OTC's cause a lifestyle disease or other health complications?

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Can OTC's cause a lifestyle disease or other health complications?

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Yes, but it depends on what kind of drug you overdose on...

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Over-the-counter medications, also called OTC drugs, include all medications purchased for any malady. However, a number of over-the-counter medications are also abused by those looking for a cheap and easily accessible high, often young adults. Many users believe that the drugs are safer than abusing street drugs since they are sold legally and used for medical treatment. However, over-the-counter medications are only safe when taken as suggested, and large doses can cause intoxication as well as toxicity. They can also cause a number of acute health effects and long-term negative effects as well.
One of the biggest problems with over-the-counter drug abuse is accessibility. They are legal for all to purchase, and they are sold on the shelves at:

Drug stores

Grocery stores

Convenience stores

Online stores

Only certain OTC medications are restricted in any way, and in most cases, patrons can grab as many boxes or bottles of their medication of choice as are available on the shelves. Depending upon the drug of choice, users may ingest an entire bottle of cough syrup - to two - or take an entire box of pills. Though the intended use is to treat symptoms related to cough, cold and flu, the active ingredient can often create hallucinogenic or stimulant effects in users who take large doses. In other cases, the intended use of the OTC medication may be to ease discomfort or promote overall health, but when taken in large doses, they can have the exact opposite effect.

If you are concerned about your loved one's use of over-the-counter medications and would like to limit the long-term effects that can occur with chronic use, contact us at The Orchid to learn more about the treatment options and services we offer that can help your family member turn over a new leaf.

OTC Drug Abuse: Types of Medications

Different types of over-the-counter medications are commonly abused by those who are trying to get high, and different types create different long-term effects. The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (CDADP) reports that the most commonly abused types of OTC medications include dextromethorphan (DXM), found in cough medication, and stimulant substances like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, found in other cold medications. Each creates very different acute and long-term effects in users.

However, a wide range of over-the-counter medications are abused and taken in large doses, either in hopes of enhancing their intended purpose or to achieve another result. Some examples include laxatives, emetics, diuretics and more. Additionally, herbal supplements and remedies also have the capacity to be abused when taken in large amounts for the purposes of getting high.

Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Dextromethorphan is an ingredient in a number of medications designed to treat issues like sinus pressure, headache, and congestion related to the cold or flu. However, most of the medications that people take that highlight DXM as a main ingredient also include other ingredients that can be dangerous when taken in large amounts. The acute effects of DXM include:

Dizziness

Seeing "trails"

Slurred speech

Lack of coordination

Fatigue

Confusion or feeling disoriented

Increased heart rate

Some users also get physically ill and complain of stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting while others report that they feel a tingling in their fingers and toes. In the worst cases, users can overdose, taking so much that death is the result. Additionally, high doses of DXM can cause the user to experience hallucinations. Not uncommon is the experience of being so high that accidents happen and inadvertently result in the death of the user or someone else.

The long-term effects of chronic use of DXM will vary depending upon how often the user abuses the drug, the dose they take, the use of other drugs of abuse including alcohol, and the existence of co-occurring mental health issues. In general, the long-term effects risked by chronic use of the drug include:

The risk of overdose with each use

A buildup of DXM in the body caused by taking low doses repeatedly in a short period of time

Suppression of the central nervous system that can result in an inability to breathe or a slowing of the heart rate

Stimulants

A number of cold and flu medications include a stimulant drug like pseudoephedrine that provides the user with a boost to help them get through the work day while dealing with cold and flu symptoms that can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Some of these medications are used in the making of street drugs like crystal meth and regulated by the government. Most establishments put a card on the cold medications shelf that indicates the name of the drug and direct consumers to take the card to the pharmacy in order to get the medication. This precaution is taken in order to limit theft of the drug as well as to limit the number of boxes purchased at one time.

Shakes or tremors

Paranoia

Irritability

Insomnia

Abnormal heartbeat

Nausea and vomiting

Psychosis

Seizures

Heart attack

Overdose is always an issue when taking too much of a stimulant medication. It can cause a heart attack depending upon the amount taken, the underlying medical conditions of the patient, and the frequency of use.

When chronic use of stimulant over-the-counter medications becomes an issue, the long-term effects of the drug can include effects that continue long after the medication wears off, including:

Irregular menses in women

Decreased libido

Extreme mood swings

Agitation

Chronic constipation

Impaired vision

Addiction

High blood pressure

Coma

Death

Weight Loss Medications

The range of pills and supplements dedicated to aiding in weight loss are at risk for abuse as well, especially by young women with eating disorders. Even in small amounts, these drugs can be dangerous, and it is never recommended that they be taken for long periods of time. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Use at Columbia University reports that chronic use of the following weight loss aids sold over the counter can result in a slew of consequences:

Many young adults take laxatives with the intent of "purging" calories they have eaten before they are absorbed into the body. The fact is that this method does not work. Laxatives only serve to empty the waste created by food previously processed in the body. It does not affect food in the stomach. Long-term use of large amounts of laxatives can result in serious issues of the gastrointestinal system. Some patients are unable to move their bowels without them and must undergo surgery in order to fix the damage.

Diuretics are marketed as weight loss tools but only serve to help the patient lose excess water weight. Emetics are used to cause vomiting and used, like laxatives, by some with eating disorders to purge the body of unwanted calories after a binge eating session. Taking either of these medications for too long can result in dehydration, an issue that, according to BBC Health, can cause a number of long-term and deadly health issues, including:

Joint pain

Migraines

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Kidney and liver damage and/or failure

Reduced lymph circulation

Death

How Over-the-Counter Medications Are Abused

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports a wide range of methods and ways in which people abuse over-the-counter medications, including:

Taking them for a purpose other than their intended use (e.g., to get high or to achieve an unhealthy weight loss goal)

If in pill form, crushing the pills in order to release all the medication at once when swallowed, snorted or injected

Taking the medications in large doses

Combining large doses of the medication with other illicit substances including alcohol, marijuana and others

It's not uncommon for those who abuse OTC medications to also abuse other illicit substances. For example, use of a combination of crystal meth or cocaine in addition to over-the-counter weight loss medications is common in those who are dually diagnosed with an eating disorder and a drug abuse problem. It's also not uncommon for those who abuse OTC cough and flu medications recreationally to combine the substance with the use of marijuana and/or alcohol in a social setting. The combination of these drugs can increase the severity of the symptoms listed above, increase the chance of overdose or accident, and worsen the long-term effects of chronic drug abuse.

Treatment for Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse

Just as there are comprehensive and evidence-based therapeutic treatment options available to those who struggle with dependence upon alcohol, prescription painkillers, and other illicit substances, there is also a wide range of treatment services available for those who struggle with abuse of over-the-counter medications.

At The Orchid, we can discuss your loved one's needs in treatment and help you to identify the best course of action for rehabilitation. Call the phone number listed above today to speak to a counselor about your family member and help them begin the healing process now.

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Long-Term Effects of Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse

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Over-the-counter medications, also called OTC drugs, include all medications purchased for any malady. However, a number of over-the-counter medications are also abused by those looking for a cheap and easily accessible high, often young adults. Many users believe that the drugs are safer than abusing street drugs since they are sold legally and used for medical treatment.

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What are the short/long term effects of OTC's on the body/brain? Are OTC's fatal?

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What are the short/long term effects of OTC's on the body/brain? Are OTC's fatal?

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OTC's can cause the following:
SHORT TERM
-insomnia
-loss of appetite
-increased heart rate
-nausea
-panic/anxiety
-convulsions (in high doses)
LONG TERM
-liver, kidney, lung damage
-depression
-malnutrition
-strokes and possible epilepsy
OTC's are just as dangerous as illicit drugs. OTC's are definitely fatal if consumed for anything but medical purposes. Taking just 3 doses of Dayquil (6 tablespoons) in 24 hours can be fatal.

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No, not physically addictive, but some can cause hallucinations and highs. If someone became dependent on getting high off of OTC's it becomes an addiction, the body needs those drugs to live and can be hard to quit.

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What percent of teens use OTC's in the U.S.?

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What percent of teens use OTC's in the U.S.?

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A 2006 survey found that 1 million teens ages 12 to 25 had used OTC's for non-medical purposes in the last year. Another study in 2006 found that 3 million people in the US aged 12 to 25 admitted to using OTC cough syrup to get high.

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OTC's could contain addictive chemicals like DXM and codeine, and people can get addicted to the high or out of body experiences they have when they take extreme doses of OTC's and can't live without it. Some chemicals that cause these experiences include:
Cough Medicines (Dextromethorphan or DXM): hallucinations
Cold Medicines (Pseudoephedrine): body high, hallucinations
Motion Sickness Pills (Dimenhydrinate): psychedelic properties
Pain Relievers (Acetaminophen): treating chronic pain

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Understanding OTC (Over the Counter) Drugs

Over the counter (OTC) drugs are medications available without a prescription at drugstores or supermarkets.

OTC drugs are typically safe if used at recommended doses. Like illegal and prescription drugs, they can also be abused. Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction.

Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems and death.

Some commonly abused OTC medications include:

Cough medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)

Cold medicines (Pseudoephedrine)

Motion sickness pills (Dimenhydrinate)

Pain relievers (Acetaminophen)

If you or someone you love is struggling with an OTC drug addiction, call now for help.

OTC Drug Abuse

OTC drugs have various medical uses and effects, treating mild pain to motion sickness. Some abuse OTC drugs to self-medicate for mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Abusing these medications can also give users a euphoric "high" or hallucinations. Any use outside of what's recommended is considered abuse.

Someone abusing OTC drugs might move on to more dangerous or illicit drugs in search of a better high.

Cough medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)

Cough medicines can cause hallucinations and a potent high when abused. Cough medicines are popular among young people, as they're often readily accessible in medicine cabinets at home or at a friend's house. High doses can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, shakiness, and even brain damage.

Cold medicines (Pseudoephedrine)

Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and the active ingredient in many cold medicines. People may abuse pseudoephedrine for hallucinations or an intense "body high."

Pseudoephedrine is also used to create illicit drugs like methamphetamine. Abusing pseudoephedrine can cause irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, dizziness and seizures.

Motion sickness pills (Dimenhydrinate)

Dimenhydrinate is used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. In high doses, the drug can cause hallucinations, ringing in the ears, nausea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma and even death. The drug is often abused for its psychedelic properties.

Pain relievers (Acetaminophen)

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in pain relievers like Tylenol. High doses and long-term use can lead to serious health problems such as permanent liver damage. Other side effects of acetaminophen abuse include diarrhea, sweating, nausea, and stomach pain. Acetaminophen is generally taken for its pain-relieving properties. Many abuse acetaminophen to treat chronic pain.

Ready to Get Help?

Call now to be connected with a compassionate treatment specialist.

OTC Drug Addiction

Recreational OTC drug use can also change the brain's chemistry over time. Eventually the user builds a tolerance to the drugs, needing more of the substance to get the previous effects. Those addicted to OTC drugs maybe also develop withdrawal symptoms when they stop using.
Common symptoms of OTC drug withdrawal include:
Learning to spot an OTC drug addiction can be difficult. OTC drugs like Tylenol and various cough medicines don't carry the same dangerous image as illicit drugs like heroin. People don't always see them as addictive, so many loved ones of people addicted to OTC drugs don't know to look for signs of a growing problem.

Some of the signs of an OTC drug addiction include continuing to use the drugs despite known consequences and spending an excessive amount of time or money using or getting them. There are 11 key criteria to diagnose an addiction to any drug.

OTC Drug Abuse Statistics

OTC Drug Addiction Treatment

Those suffering from OTC drug addiction have many treatment options. Individual and group therapies, mental health counseling and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are all effective treatment methods.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs allow those recovering from OTC drug addiction the resources to get and stay sober. Enrolling in a drug rehab program can significantly reduce the odds of relapse.

Get the Resources to Beat Addiction

Overcoming an OTC drug addiction can be difficult, but it is far from impossible. Inpatient drug treatment programs give recovering addicts 24-hour medical care, while those in outpatient programs can visit specified medical centers while keeping their home lives intact. Attending a 12-step group like Narcotics Anonymous can provide community and support to help with lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to OTC drugs like dextromethorphan, let us help you find treatment and support.

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Over the Counter Drug Addiction - Abusing OTC Drugs

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Over the counter (OTC) drugs are medications available without a prescription at drugstores or supermarkets. OTC drugs are typically safe if used at recommended doses. Like illegal and prescription drugs, they can also be abused. Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction.

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Medicines that can be distributed by a pharmacy and don't have to be specifically prescribed by a doctor.

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Over the counter drugs are most often consumed in the form of cough syrups, tablets or capsules. Ex: benzodiazepines that help with anxiety and sleep problems, morphine that can dull pain and cause a euphoric high.