Over the past six years, hospitals have seen a nearly fifty percent increase in cough syrup related visits. Dextromethorphan , a common ingredient found in over the counter cough syrups, is being held responsible for those visits.

As a result of the increased abuse, the FDA is considering legislation to regulate the access and distribution of such medicines containing Dextromethorphan, a step which is causing many leading drug manufacturers much angst.

“When we hear of statistics regarding abuse of easily accessible medications, we’re certainly concerned,” remarks a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “And the reason for our concern isn’t just because of the particular substance being abused. There’s a far greater concern for what the abuse of such a medication can lead to. For example, marijuana has always been considered a gateway drug; that is, a drug that opens the door to the use and abuse of more dangerous, illicit drugs. There is the fear that something as easily accessible as a cough syrup could lead to the same result: a move towards drugs that will produce a greater sense of euphoria and cause harm. Many times young adults will think that if this cough medicine makes them feel a little high, imagine what narcotics or heroin will make them feel like, and thus begins the cycle of abuse. Here we have a medication that most households all over America have in their medicine cabinets: a simple cough medicine. It’s disheartening that individuals can find ways to abuse even the most common substances and turn them into something dangerous and, potentially, life-threatening.”

Via EPR Network
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A recent study conducted by University of Buffalo physicians suggests that prescription pain killers are the new gateway drug to illicit drug addiction.

A study published by UB shows that 31 out of 75 patients hospitalized for narcotic detox first became addicted to drugs as a result of legitimately prescribed narcotics for pain. Another 24 individuals obtained their drugs via a friend’s left-over pills or from a family member’s medicine cabinet. The remaining 20 patients said they got hooked on street drugs.

A startling 92% of the patients within the study said they turned to buying heroin off of the street as it is less expensive and produces a stronger high than any prescription narcotics.

After their pain was resolved, however, most reported that they continued to use the prescribed drugs to help deal with the emotional stresses of day to day life and to feel better, in general.

“This is a disturbing trend,” remarks a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcoholism Treatment Center. “While effective for short-term pain management, prescription pain killers can be quite dangerous for some people. When these medications are prescribed it is best that patients be advised of the various ramifications that can occur and, if they begin to feel any dependence, they should tell their doctor. It can be very useful to bring in a pain management specialist for patients requiring longer term use. It’s troubling that a useful medication can cause such physical and psychological dependence, necessitating a program like our drug rehab New York program.”

Researchers found that about 51% of those who use illicit drugs first used narcotic pain killers for back pain, after surgery or an injury. The remaining 49% began using drugs simply because they were curious or a peer had narcotics readily available.

Via EPR Network
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