Over-the-Counter OTC Medication Abuse Part 2

Read Part I of OTC Medication Abuse

Because of their growing popularity, many states are beginning to adopt laws that limit children’s access to OTCs.

In some states, the minimum purchasing age for many cold medicines is now 18. Others limit the amount of certain OTCs that can be purchased at one time.

You may have noticed that some drug stores have begun voluntarily moving certain cold medications behind the front counter. This serves as a deterrent for young users who may be tempted to steal the drugs.

Yet still, the first line of defense against potential abuse should always be the parents, who need to take an active role if they really want to make a difference.
 
What steps can a parent take?

Educate-
Parents should always keep their children informed about the dangers of all drugs, including over-the-counter medications. Part of this process, should include showing a healthy respect for all pharmaceuticals. Make a show of always checking the label of a medicine before taking it. /Check the expiration dates and dosages and make sure you follow them. If your kids see that you understand that all medicines carry a risk, they will grow to respect them as well.

In addition, talk to your kids. Tell them that some people abuse over-the-counter drugs in order to get high. Then explain the consequences. It is much better to for kids to learn they can get high from drinking too much cough syrup from their parents, than a friend who is offering it to them. Taking the mystery out of drugs is often the best way to keep kids from trying them in the first place. Don’t let them think they have discovered something new, or they will be much more likely to do it.

Protect-

Keep tabs on your prescription medications. Make sure they aren’t easily accessible and also make an effort to note if any of the medicines appear missing. If your kids know that you keep an eye on your medicines, it may make them think twice about taking them.

Vigilance-

Observe your kids and be on the lookout for warning signs of abuse.

Signs to look for include:

Physical evidence:

• Missing medicine
• Empty bottles or blister packs on them or in the trash

Odd behavior:

• Impaired judgment
• Hyperactivity
• Euphoria

Physical reactions:

• Clumsiness
• Dizziness
• Disturbed sleep patterns (either too much or too little)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Blackouts
• Mood swings

Get Help-

If you do discover that your children, or any loved one, are abusing over-the-counter medications (or any other drugs), don’t try to solve the problem yourself. If they have been abusing for a long time, forcing them to go “cold turkey” can not only be dangerous, but also is an ineffective method of treating their addiction.

If you need help with a loved one that is abusing drugs, please don’t hesitate to get help, call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)540-5242.