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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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Percent of teens who use this drug in the USA?

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Percent of teens who use this drug in the USA?

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A 2007 survey in the US found that 3.3% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 6% of 17- to 25-year-olds had abused prescription drugs in the past month.

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Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines containing the drug Dextromethorphan (DXM) have also been abused. DXM is sold in syrup, gel and tablet form. When sold on the Internet as powder, it is particularly risky because of the uncertainty of its composition and dose. It is found in more than 100 products; Coricidin and Robitussin are abused the most.

EFFECTS

Visual hallucinations

Hyperexcitability

Insomnia

Lethargy

Physical dependence (with prolonged use)

Dizziness

Slurred speech

Delusions

Sweating

High blood pressure

Liver and brain damage

Mixed with other drugs, cough syrup can also cause central nervous system and heart problems. Combined with alcohol, it is particularly dangerous and can result in death.

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Watch Truth About Drugs Documentary Video & Learn About Substance Addiction. Get The Facts About Painkillers, Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth & Other Illegal Drugs.

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Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines containing the drug Dextromethorphan (DXM) have also been abused. DXM is sold in syrup, gel and tablet form. When sold on the Internet as powder, it is particularly risky because of the uncertainty of its composition and dose.

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Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and the active ingredient in many cold medicines.
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in pain relievers like Tylenol.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/painkillers/over-the-counter-drugs/

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Can your drug cause a lifestyle disease or other health complications?

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Can your drug cause a lifestyle disease or other health complications?

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OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems and death.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/painkillers/over-the-counter-drugs/

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Short/ Long term effects of the drug on body/brain? Can it be fatal?

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Short/ Long term effects of the drug on body/brain? Can it be fatal?

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Cough medicines can cause hallucinations and a potent high when abused.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/painkillers/over-the-counter-drugs/

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Is this drug addicting (physically/ psychologically or both?)

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Is this drug addicting (physically/ psychologically or both?)

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Common symptoms of OTC drug include:

Confusion

Anxiety

Mood changes

https://www.addictioncenter.com/painkillers/over-the-counter-drugs/

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If a pregnant woman abuses drugs, how does it affect the fetus?

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If a pregnant woman abuses drugs, how does it affect the fetus?

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" -Contraction of the uterus which can affect the blood supply to the baby or cause preterm labor and birth
-Interference with normal prenatal development that can lead to birth defects or fetal demise
-Interference with the function of the placenta which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby causing some babies to be underdeveloped and underweight "

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/abusing-prescription-drugs-during-pregnancy/

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Make a Top 10 List for this Drug (Facts people should know about it)?

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Make a Top 10 List for this Drug (Facts people should know about it)?

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1. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is sold in syrup, gel and tablet form.
2. DMX when sold on the Internet as powder, it is particularly risky because of the uncertainty of its composition and dose.
2. DMX is found in more than 100 products; Coricidin and Robitussin are abused the most.
3. Lots of medicine like for colds is good for you but if you take to much the it can cause harmful effects and even death, particularly if combined with other drugs or alcohol.
4. Street names for prescription drugs: Hillbilly heroin, oxy, OC, oxycotton, percs, happy pills, vike
5. Street names for Depressants: Barbs, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets, candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks

6. Street names for Stimulants: Skippy, the smart drug, Vitamin R, bennies, black beauties, roses, hearts, speed, uppers.
7. "Stimulant abuse can cause paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, and an irregular heartbeat, especially if stimulants are taken in large doses or in ways other than swallowing a pill. "
8. "Abuse of opioids can cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and, depending on the amount taken, slowed breathing."
9. "Abusing depressants can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, and seizures (upon withdrawal from chronic abuse). "
10. It is worse to overdose on prescription drugs than illicit drugs.

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/abuse-of-over-the-counter-drugs.html
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/peerx/pdf/PEERx_Toolkit_FactSheets_OTC_012313.pdf

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Post 1 PSA or informational video about this drug (Must be school appropriate) 

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Post 1 PSA or informational video about this drug (Must be school appropriate) 

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http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/abuse-of-over-the-counter-drugs.html

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Where can someone go for help to stop using the drug? 

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Where can someone go for help to stop using the drug? 

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-Doctor or other medical professionals.

-Detox facilities can monitor your health and make the process safe and more effective.

-A detox facility can provide medications to help ease the withdrawal process.

-Food and drink may seem repulsive during severe withdrawal.
Finding support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can help you to get and stay sober.

http://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-opiate-withdrawal#athome3

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Swallowed usually in a pill gel liquid  or sometimes crushed http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/abuse-of-over-the-counter-drugs.html

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

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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.

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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.