Could Cough Syrup Lead Your Child to Rehab?

Almost every medicine cabinet in homes from sunny San Jose, Calif., to the East Coast stores a common go-to remedy for colds: generic cough syrup. Most people would assume cough syrup is not a one-way ticket to needing the correctional help of drug rehab centers. However, the use of any drug—whether prescribed or sold over-the-counter—should be monitored and kept safe to avoid future substance addictions.

Oftentimes, people can barely muster enough bravery to down a spoonful of cough syrup during illness, so why would anyone consider taking more than a normal dose? Unfortunately, new ways to mix drugs and various substances are constantly being experimented, with the potential to cause harmful addictions. One of these combinations is the mixing of common cold medicines with sodas or alcohols, creating dangerous consequences.

Found in most cough medicines is an ingredient called dextromethorphan (DXM). This cough-suppressing substance is added into the formula of household medicines like Nyquil, Robitussin and Theraflu. Even though DXM is found in these popular over-the-counter drugs, it can lead to admittance to drug rehab centers if uncontrolled. Furthermore, hallucinogenic trips or even a life-threatening coma can result from an overdose of DXM.

East from San Jose in the colder state of Colorado, 5-year-old Kimber Michelle Brown died from consuming high levels of dextromethorphan while treating a cold in early 2012. It was reported that Kimber was given too much cough syrup, or could have drank additional doses while unattended.

Reported by ABC News, “The upper limit for this drug in adults in 40 nanograms per milliliter.” It was later revealed that Kimber had 96 nanograms of DXM in her bloodstream causing her death.

To prevent overdosing or addiction to DXM, monitor and secure medications and remedies, even if they seem harmless. Drug stores, grocery stores and gas stations found on every street corner of San Jose sell cough syrup, making DXM easy to access. Because of its familiarity and popularity, many youth are abusing these medicines to get intoxicated, increasing the potential need for admittance to rehab centers.

DXM is also cheap compared to other illegal drugs. Regardless of a drug’s legal status, these $10 cold remedies can still become dangerous to adolescents who may not understand the negative effects of overdose or addiction.

The influential effects of common cold medicines should be taught at a young age. It’s easy for kids from San Jose to the East Coast to believe these remedies are harmless when abused. The more educated children are about consequences of medicine abuse, the less likely they will need the support of drug rehab centers throughout their lives.

Jeffrey Herbert is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter