Archive for the ‘Over the Counter Drug Abuse’ Category

Most people think that over the counter drugs is not a subject of being abused since there’s no prescription required. Unfortunately, most teenagers and young adults are engaging in over the counter drug abuse, as some of the OTC drugs can take them to get high.  It is becoming a big issue at present. It’s even been in the headlines nowadays that people go to drug stores to get medications that can get them an altered sense of reality.

Why people seek out altered reality from over the counter medications?

Many people, especially teenagers and young adults, engage in over the counter drug abuse. For some of them, this is a new experience that they should try, while others are influenced by issues like peer pressure, boredom, interpersonal relationship issues, college worries, family problems and among other issues. In order to prevent this from happening, high school and college students can confide to their university counselors and they will be guided accordingly. Good thing there are rehabilitation facilities at present that help people addicted to over the counter drugs, like Hawaii Island Recovery that offers a Big Island Treatment Program for over the counter drug abuse.

What is the incidence rate of over the counter drug abuse?

Approximately three million youth and young adults’ ages thirteen to twenty-five years old have experimented with the over-the-counter medications in the United States alone. In addition, there are high cases recorded in different countries across the globe. The younger population is fond of abusing cold pills and cough syrups in high doses to experience hallucinations, altered senses and a “high” feeling. With this, the parents should take a precautionary notice on what they are keeping on their medicine cabinets, and what measures should they take to prevent their teenagers from over the counter drug abuse. Also, young adults should be aware of the effects of over the counter drugs, such as impairment of their physical and mental functioning.

What are the common over the counter medications that are abused by people?

The common over the counter drugs that tend to abuse by teenagers and young adults are NyQuil, Coricidin and Robitussin. These cold and cough medications contain dextromethorphan, or commonly known as DXM. This ingredient is prevalent in over 140 cold medications and cough suppressants available without prescription. Although DXM is considered safe when used in recommended doses, too much of it may result to hallucination and out-of-body sensations.

What are the signs and symptoms of over the counter drug abuse?

Over the counter medications are drugs that can be taken in the pharmacies without any prescription. For over the years, these drugs have become a source of drug abuse among teenagers and young adults. Common symptoms of drug abuse include dizziness, poor memory, nightmares, anxiety, constant mood changes, inability to think clearly, poor coordination, nausea, lack of interest in normal activities, blurry vision, hostility, numbness, confusion, poor performance at school and work, sense of calm, sleep disturbances and hallucinations. These symptoms can be quite overwhelming. However, more severe complications may arise as a result of OTC abuse, such as uncontrollable spasms, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, delirium and even death. In order to prevent such complications, one should enroll in a drug treatment program at rehabilitation centers today. One certain rehabilitation center that offers an addiction treatment program to combat over the counter drugs is Hawaii Island Recovery. People experiencing over the counter drug abuse are treated at this community based residential treatment center for 30, 60 or 90 days. The drug treatment provided by Hawaii Island Recovery’s big Island Recovery  Program can help these individuals recover from drug abuse and addiction.

How can people recover from over the counter drug abuse?

People who are engaging in OTC medication abuse can go to rehabilitation centers and work on their issues. One of the best rehab centers is the Hawaii Island Recovery. This reputable institution is situated three thousand miles away from everybody and everything. Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment  Program can help their clients work with their OTC medication abuse issues with no distraction. Hawaii Island recovery is featuring an innovative approach to their clients in healing done in a community-based treatment program. With its breathtaking sceneries and settings, their clients can able to renew themselves and cope up with issues they faced with over the counter drug abuse. The treatment program can help clients transform their lives, enabling change within them and follow the path towards recovery process. This is just something that younger population with OTC medication issues need in order for them to go back to their health and wellbeing state.

If you are suffering from addiction please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-906-9611.