This is an informative site regarding over the counter medications. A brief history followed by commonly used over the counter drugs as well as tips for prevention will be discussed.
Introduction
When you think of drug abuse what comes to mind? Marijuana, cocaine, and heroin mostly likely, but what about Robitussin, Midol, or Dramamine? Over the Counter drugs are becoming more and more abused in our society. A study showed that 10% of teens report abusing over the counter cough medicine to get high. Teens are considered the most at-risk group for abusing over the counter medications. Laura Fowler teaches a drug and alcohol class at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where students often casually talk about using over the counter medication such as Robitussin to get high. "It is easier and cheaper than most illegal drugs," Fowler said, "Plus, kids tend to think it can't be that bad for them, since it is sold in stores." The public needs to be educated on this growing problem. In this blog our team will examine the dangers lurking in the medicine cabinet and exactly what nurses can do to help educate patients and prevent over the counter drug abuse in the future.
Well, I'm glad that we have shed some light on the dangers of addiction within those drugs that we label "over the counter"...it's amazing how something good can be corrupted for the detriment of our youth.
It is hard to believe but true. Informing the public of such dangers is not only critical to parents with teenagers but this information is critical to the medical field and to the general public which can help to try to avoid such abuse.
I heard something on the news a while back about children/teenagers OD-ing on over the counter medicines. I think it is such a shame. Maybe we should regulate how old a person needs to be to buy certain medications. It's so dangerous, but yet hard to control this since these types of medicine are of easy access.
This is a real problem, most people do not realize that they can abuse Over the Counter Drugs because it is sold in stores. Also, It is quite possible that the percentage of teenagers that abuse OTCs are higher than 10% as most teenagers will not report their experiences.
Excellent topic to discuss. Sadly, many parents aren't aware of the necessary precautions that should be taken for over the counter drugs. As a nurse you can definitely contribute by educating parents and their families to prevent this type of drug abuse. -Sandra
NO doubt it is something that has to be addressed immediately. The society that we live in today has pushed some teenagers to look for something that makes them feel good or wanted by others. It has drugs "cool" by allowing celebrities promote them in their songs, movies, etc.They are aware that usual drugs like cocaine and marijuana might hurt or get them in trouble so they look for other methods, like otc medications. I agree that it is very important that both parents and drug stores act together. Parents need to take active approach to this and spend time to talk with their children and help them realize the importance and seriousness of the decisions that they are making and how it could affect them and their families.
All excellent comments, we are hoping that this blog will be a step to help promote awareness of this problem in the community and the need for some kind of change. Teens abuse drugs of all kinds for a variety of reasons and I personally believe that addressing the mental or emotional needs that often cause or lead to drug abuse may be the best way of preventing a problem before it starts. That said, education of both parents and teens needs to be done on the latest ways teens are abusing, one of which being OTC medications.
This is a really good topic thta needs to be discussed more in our society. People need to know about the dangers of OTC and how addicting they can be. OTC can be as dangerous as illegal drugs so, there needs to be more restrictions on them.
Our group consists of Ovelia Alvarez, Morgan Alexander, and Kindra Vetitoe. We chose to discuss the importance of education regarding over the counter drugs in relation to abuse, addiction, and necessary precautions. You will find additional information as well as teenagers speaking about their own experiences amongst the videos.
70,000 U.S. kids overdose each year — accidentally — on everyday household meds Time Magazine Focuses on acetaminiphen commonly known as Tylenol. Simply because it is an effective drug does not make it harmless.
Millions of youths use cold meds to get high MSNBC News Cough syrups known to be mixed in with alcoholic drinks and white males most common abusers.
Growing Teens Abuse of Snurf Pills CBS News Over the counter herbal pills being abused with in increase of OTC abuse beginning with 8th grade.
Suspect OTC Abuse? What Questions to Ask
What types of over-the-counter medications do you take regularly? How much of this medication do you take? Do you take more today than you had to in the past? What else do you take with thismedication? When do you take this medication? Is this a recent change? How uncomfortable are you if you don't take the medication? Do you think you've ever had any harmful effects from this medication? Has anyone commented on your behavior when you use this medication?
Well, I'm glad that we have shed some light on the dangers of addiction within those drugs that we label "over the counter"...it's amazing how something good can be corrupted for the detriment of our youth.
ReplyDelete-rhz21
It is hard to believe but true. Informing the public of such dangers is not only critical to parents with teenagers but this information is critical to the medical field and to the general public which can help to try to avoid such abuse.
ReplyDeleteI heard something on the news a while back about children/teenagers OD-ing on over the counter medicines. I think it is such a shame. Maybe we should regulate how old a person needs to be to buy certain medications. It's so dangerous, but yet hard to control this since these types of medicine are of easy access.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad :(
Andrew Dao,
ReplyDeleteThis is a real problem, most people do not realize that they can abuse Over the Counter Drugs because it is sold in stores. Also, It is quite possible that the percentage of teenagers that abuse OTCs are higher than 10% as most teenagers will not report their experiences.
Excellent topic to discuss. Sadly, many parents aren't aware of the necessary precautions that should be taken for over the counter drugs. As a nurse you can definitely contribute by educating parents and their families to prevent this type of drug abuse. -Sandra
ReplyDeleteNO doubt it is something that has to be addressed immediately. The society that we live in today has pushed some teenagers to look for something that makes them feel good or wanted by others. It has drugs "cool" by allowing celebrities promote them in their songs, movies, etc.They are aware that usual drugs like cocaine and marijuana might hurt or get them in trouble so they look for other methods, like otc medications. I agree that it is very important that both parents and drug stores act together. Parents need to take active approach to this and spend time to talk with their children and help them realize the importance and seriousness of the decisions that they are making and how it could affect them and their families.
ReplyDeleteMiguel s.
All excellent comments, we are hoping that this blog will be a step to help promote awareness of this problem in the community and the need for some kind of change. Teens abuse drugs of all kinds for a variety of reasons and I personally believe that addressing the mental or emotional needs that often cause or lead to drug abuse may be the best way of preventing a problem before it starts. That said, education of both parents and teens needs to be done on the latest ways teens are abusing, one of which being OTC medications.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good topic thta needs to be discussed more in our society. People need to know about the dangers of OTC and how addicting they can be. OTC can be as dangerous as illegal drugs so, there needs to be more restrictions on them.
ReplyDelete