Recent research shows that while parents are aware of warnings against the dangers of illicit street drugs, both prescription medicine and over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines are often overlooked as a potential threat. An estimated one in 10 people, aged 12–17, or 2.4 million kids, has intentionally abused cough medicine to get high.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drug abuse from their parents are half as likely as their peers to try or use drugs.
Partnership for a Drug-free America
A recent survey conducted by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America in partnership with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association indicates that 75 percent of parents are not talking to their kids about the abuse of OTC medicines.
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Only 45 percent of teens believe that abusing cough medicine to get high is risky, which means that over half believe it is not.
Partnership for a Drug-free America
According to 2008 data, the intentional abuse of cough medicine among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders is at 3.6 percent, 5.3 percent, and 5.5 percent, respectively.
National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future study, conducted by the University of Michigan
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