How to Identify Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

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By Vienna
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One of the most current health hazards is the abuse of non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs easily purchased in any drug store and via the Internet. Three drugs, in particular, are potentially dangerous if abused: dextromathorphan, ephedrine and decongestants. OTC medicines containing these ingredients are rapidly gaining in popularity with teenagers since they are cheap and easily obtained. More information about these drugs are included below in the "Tips" section.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A daily journal to keep track of your teenager's behavior and appearance.
Written information about these three drugs.

Step 1

First, educate yourself and know your enemy! Information on dextromathorphan, ephedrine and decongestants is easily available on the Internet for you to print. You can also obtain this information from a drug treatment center or counselor, as well as from your family physician.
Step 2

Closely observe your teenager's behavior, and write it down in your daily journal. Does he seem very sluggish or very stimulated? Are the pupils of her eyes dilated?
Step 3

Conduct a search of your teenager's room, personal belongings and bathroom. Yes, snoop! When it comes to drug abuse, there is no expectation of privacy. Look for bottles of cough syrup, containers of asthma medication and decongestant pills. Watch carefully how quickly they disappear and are replaced.
Step 4

If you believe your teenager is abusing OTC medications, contact a drug treatment center or a drug counselor about what kind of action you should take next in the best interest of your child.

Tips & Warnings

Dextromathorphan is a morphine-like substance that suppresses coughs. It's found in most OTC cough medicine. When used in large quantities at once, it can produce central nervous system deficiencies similar in effect to alcohol.
Ephedrine (also called ephedra or Ma Huang) is a stimulant drug often used in asthma medicine. It is also the main ingredient in methamphetamine and produces a similar "high" when used in excess. It can cause seizures, heart failure and stroke.
Decongestant drugs have the side effect of central nervous system stimulation similar to ephedrine.
In most states, it is now illegal to sell OTC medicines containing ephedrine in more than small quantities, e.g. one container of asthma medication. If your pharmacy has not complied with this law, ask the manager why!
Many body-building magazines advertise the sale of ephedrine in huge, bulk quantities imported from Canada and Mexico via mail order. This is where methamphetamine "cooks" get their supply. Look for such magazines in your child's room.
Beware of mouthwash that contains alcohol! Author Stephen King documented that he drank bottles of mouthwash when he was unable to manage his alcohol addiction.