Fivemoms.com

I was recently involved in a conference call about an issue that really took me back. FiveMoms is a site dedicated to making everyone aware of the dangers of cough medicine abuse.  I had no idea that cough medicine abuse was even out there. My only experience with over the counter abuse is when I try to buy sudafed for my kids and get carded.  I didn't know the issue splashed over into cough medicine, and kids had parties devoted soley to sharing the cough medicine that they snuck out of their house.

I had no idea that kids died from this.  Every day.

I keep the cough meds where we can get to them quickly, but I've realized now, thanks to the website, that I need to move them.  From the website:

A recent article in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review shows just how widespread the problem of cough medicine abuse is: nine Pine-Richland High School students were found high on cough medicine while at school. Five of them were taken to the hospital.

I'd really like it if everyone of you goes over to the site and read it. It's well done and brings your attention to this scary issue in a non frightening manner.

A little knowledge goes a long way. 

Comments

[Karen Patrick]

Well, the reasons are a little different. With Sudafed, that is now controlled because it contains a key ingredient for methamphetamine (sp?)

The cough syrup can contain some alcohol, so kids will use that to get "drunk." Me? I can't hardly swallow the correct dose of cough med. Surely never enough to get drunk!

Here's another game that's becomming a problem....google the term "choking game." Scary stuff!

[Renee]

Thanks for bringing this sight to our attention! I have a 13, 11 and 8 yr. old. They're good children, but I'm a realist and totally believe in keeping my eyes wide open. As parents ,we are not the only influences that affect our children.We have to arm ourselves with knowledge.

[Charles F.]

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Happy Father’s Day to any dads reading this, and remember, no harm in asking for one (or even buying yourself one!)…

[kalisah]

My husband used to totally drink Robatussin when he was a teenager. I'll try to see what other things he used to abuse that I might can alert readers to.

[mart]

I have 4 children and my oldest (at a Church Youth Group yet) was told how easy it is to get hight on OTC medications - both pills and liquids. She took some of the OTC benadryl we kept in the medicine box (on a high shelf due to the little ones) to try it herself.

I found out because I am vigilant and I routinely read her diary when she is gone (yes, I know all about privacy, etc - my theory is you give the kids the illusion of privacy - teenagers don't pay rent, they get no privacy). I was able to break her down and have her admit to it (w/o copping to reading her diary).

Not only did we read her the riot act and the safety act, her room was stripped for 6 weeks and she only earned things back one at a time.

As for the medications? We now keep ALL medications locked in our combination safe. Her father who is on a ton of medications, well he keeps his meds locked in the car and takes them on the way into work in the am.

Is this a pain? Yes. But my daughter understands the seriousness and how serious we are about it. And I'm not letting my other children make the same mistake.

And on a side note - huffing is big where we live. One of the big huffing items is the compressed air cans that people use to clean their computer keyboards. Yup, that stuff is also locked up in the safe.

Sorry so long, but I am also now fanatical about this type of thing.

[Becky Dyer of the Five Moms Campaign]

Hi Carmen - Thanks so much for helping spread the word about the Five Moms campaign....the other four moms and I really appreciate your help in telling other parents about this problem. Just wanted to point out, though, that we have yet to come across a death that can be attributed solely to cough medicine abuse. The most dangerous behavior we've learned about stems from teens who combine large amounts of cough medicine with alcohol, prescription medicines, and/or illegal drugs which, in some instances, has resulted in death. The good news is that the more people who are aware of this problem, hopefully the less we'll hear about tragedies associated with cough medicine abuse.

[bar beer belgian]

My life's been pretty dull these days. Such is life. I've basically been doing nothing.

[jolly rancher hard candy]

My life's been pretty dull these days. Not much on my mind recently. My mind is like a fog, but shrug. I haven't been up to anything today, but oh well. I haven't gotten much done lately.

[adult free game online video]

I can't be bothered with anything lately. Such is life. Basically nothing seems worth thinking about. I've just been staying at home not getting anything done. I haven't been up to anything today, but oh well. I haven't gotten much done lately.

[malaga]

Agree with a flat tax system