10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Over-the-Counter Medicine Abuse
1. The statistics are frightening
Government surveys show that 3.1 million people age 12 and older have misused OTC medications in their lifetime—with nearly 4 percent of misuse among those younger than 18. Nearly 6 percent of 10th graders and roughly 5 percent of high school seniors report abusing cough or cold medicines, particularly those containing dextromethorphan.
Medically Reviewed By: Williams, Robert, MD
Last Annual Review Date: 2012-07-19
Copyright: © Copyright 2012 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.
Must Reads in Over-the-Counter Abuse
Spotlight on Taking Care of Teen Health
Take the pledge to talk to your teen today about cough medicine abuse.
Pledge NowDid You Know?
View Source1 in 10 (10% or 2.4 million) teens report abusing cough medicine to get high.
Talking to Teens About Medication Abuse
Your Teen's Friends
Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
What Parents Need to Know
Protect Your Medicine Cabinet
Guide to Cough Medicine Abuse
Teen Health Quiz
Tips for Talking to Teens