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Treatment Terms Re-ha-bil-i-tate: Restore to effectiveness or normal life by training. Ad-dic-tion: Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance. Drug: A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction. |
News ReleasesDangers of DXM Abuse11/03/2009 DXM (Dextromethorphan), a cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cough and cold remedies which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, was reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to be responsible for an estimated 12,584 emergency departments visits in 2004. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 1 in 10 teens – more than 2.4 million young people – report having abused over-the-counter cough medicines to get high. Celebrity medical personalities are starting to notice these startling numbers. Recently Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of the popular radio show "Loveline" and the star of the VH1 hits "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" and "Sober House," announced that he was joining the national Five Moms Campaign whose goal is to further educate parents and legislators about the dangers of cough medicine abuse. One of the founders of the Five Moms is Misty Fetko, a Registered Nurse, who lost her son Carl to an overdose of a lethal mix of drugs consisting of DXM, Fentanyl (a prescription narcotic) and marijuana. "I was an emergency room nurse. I had recognized signs of substance abuse in patients over the years. Never once did I realize that cough medicine abuse was possible, let alone that my son would be drawn to this dangerous behavior. Through Five Moms I'm hopeful that we can arm other parents with the information and resources that I unfortunately did not have," said Ms. Fetko.
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