Drug-abuse, in the form of cough syrups is fast growing among teens in California and around the country. According to an estimate the use of drugs like Coricidin pills, robitussin syrup and other common medications has rose ten fold this year compared to 1999, which I believe clearly indicates the severity of the problem.
Before churning out some conclusion out of this, let us have a look at the facts undraped by this study, in order to know the seriousness of the problem.
Two-thirds of abusers now take Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold, whose candy-red tablets are nicknamed CCC, triple C and skittles.
A vast majority of Children between the ages 9 to 17 are indulging in Dextromethorphan abuse.
Drug- abuse is more common among 15- and 16-year-olds.
Drug- abuse is prevalent in middle as well as high schools.
Higher quantity of drug dextromethorphan can higher up heat beat and blood pressure.
Irrational use of these drugs may sometimes prove fatal.
The above facts clearly indicate that drug abuse has become a vogue among teens as well as preteens in states like California but it would also not be right that other states are not facing this problem. I thing there are various reasons constantly nourishing this drug-abuse. First, the cold and cough medicines are easily available in the market. Secondly, the medicines can be procured at cheaper rates and gives a satisfactory level of intoxication though not as high as costly intoxicating drugs like cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and heroin. Thirdly, the intoxication of these drugs is not easily detectable. Most importantly, the mammoth rise in the use of these drugs for intoxication purpose can be attributed to the fact that these drugs are not illegal; therefore, any one can have them without any fear.
Now the question arises that what can be done to stop the misuse of cold and cough medicines as drugs? In my opinion, researchers should try to develop such substitutes of these drugs which are as effective in treating cold but are not intoxicating. Secondly, policy makers should try to frame such laws that put some restrictions on the use of these drugs. However, it should also be made sure that these drugs don’t go out of reach of those who actually require them. By implementing these methods, abuse through these drugs can definitely be checked.
Image credit: Tarbya
Via: Latimes