WASHINGTON (AP) — About 3.1 million people
between the ages of 12-25 have used cough and cold medicine to get
high, the government reported Wednesday. The number of young people who abused
over-the-counter cold medicines is comparable to use of LSD and much
greater than that for methamphetamine among the age group, according to
the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.The agency's 2006 survey on drug abuse and
health found that more than 5% of teenagers and young adults had
misused cough and cold medicines and indicated that these people also
had experimented frequently with illicit drugs. Nearly 82% also had used marijuana. Slightly
less than half also used inhalants or hallucinogens, such as LSD or
Ecstasy, the agency said.The cough suppressant DXM is found in more than
140 cough and cold medications available without a prescription. When
taken in large amounts, DXM can cause disorientation, blurred vision,
slurred speech and vomiting. SOURCE OF THIS STORY