Robitussin. Coricidin. Nyquil. Benadryl. All are over-the-counter medications designed to ward off coughs, sniffles and other cold, flu and allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, some youngsters also use them to get high.
Robotripping, the slang term of intentionally overdosing on such medicines, began more than 30 years ago but is becoming revitalized across the country. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information noted in December 2002, “Recently there have been more reports of young people across the country intentionally overdosing on over-the-counter cold medications.”
What young people and their parents do not realize is that experimentation with these medications can not only result in psychosis and seizures, those that contain chlorpheniramine maleate can cause brain damage and death when swallowed in large doses. Dextromethorphan (DXM) another ingredient in cold medicines is a chemical that produces psychedelic effects when taken in large quantities. “The two drugs affect the brain in the same manner as a heroin overdose when taken in overdose levels by inhibiting the brain’s ability to tell the lungs to breathe. It can also increase the heart rate to a point where cardiac arrest is possible,” according to the NCADI Reporter.
An ABC News segment in December stated that 14 people died last year from intentional overdoses of such products and several hundred were hospitalized. Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addiction expert, told the network, “These are legal drugs, so only the worst cases of overdose make it into the records.”
First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla. reports that the number of “triple-c” overdoses at the Poison Control Center nearly doubled last year. Victims ranged in age from 12 to 26, with the majority being 15 years old. Suicide attempts after overdosing have also been reported, and cases of self-mutilation add another alarming factor. (Abusers find that high doses of these medications numb the senses.)
The well-recognized prescription drug Ritalin is one more drug becoming widely misused. While considered a miracle drug that helps an estimated 4 million children remain focused on learning and allows them to progress in school and in other activities, abusers comment that Ritalin gives them a high similar to that of cocaine.
Ritalin is crushed and snorted and even melted down so users can shoot it up. Pills are frequently sold at middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation. The Drug Enforcement Administration says Ritalin abuse is neither benign nor rare in occurrence and is accurately described as producing severe dependence when abused.
Dr. Robert H. DuRant of Wake Forest University conducted a survey of high school students that found 4 percent of boys and 1 percent of girls had used non-prescription Ritalin during the previous 30 days. More than 2,000 students were involved in his survey, which was conducted in Forsyth County Schools. (DuRant often includes Moore County in his research, although in this particular study he did not.)
In the Moore County Schools, any medication needed by a student must be locked up and is given only when there is a doctor’s order, note from the parent and directions as to what time the medication is to be given. Students are not allowed to have prescription medications like Ritalin on their person while in school.
An additional concern about Ritalin was voiced by Lynda S. Madison, an associate professor in pediatrics and psychiatry at Creighton University Medical School in Omaha, Neb. She told ABC News, “I have known parents who said they took the Ritalin prescribed for their child themselves, or gave it to their other children just to see if it helps.”
Prescription drugs are to be used only by the person for whom they are prescribed and use must be closely monitored.
Next Week: Two mothers share their pain and implore the Moore County community wake up to the problem of drugs.
Contact June A. Vetter at drugfree@ac.net or call 947-1902.
