OTC Drug Rehab

Over the counter drugs (also known as OTCs), have become an increasing problem creating a greater need for drug rehabs to extend treatment to those individuals addicted to OTC drugs. Most teens and some adults abusing these over the counter medications do so assuming these drugs have to be safe because they are sold without a prescription openly on store shelves. This is not only false, but the fact is that due to the easy access to over the counter meds, individuals are more prone to become addicted and need to go to a rehab for treatment related to these OTC drugs. The most popular OTC drugs to the teen population by far are cough and cold medicines, and medicines designed to treat sinus pressure, cold and flu symptoms, fever, and headaches. These particular OTC medicines contain dextromethorphan, also known as DXM. This substance (DXM) is found in more than 100 cough and cold medicines. Popular OTC cough and cold medicine brands include the brand names Triaminic, Robitussin, Coricidin and Vicks to name a few. Other popular over the counter medications include a motion sickness OTC drug called Dramamine. When an individual ingests more of this OTC drug than the recommended dose, the most common side effect is hallucinations. Another very popular OTC drug with people who want to lose weight and have a high energy level are over the counter diet pills like Dexatrim. An increasing number of people are now going to drug rehab to receive treatment to withdraw from this amphetamine type over the counter medications. The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified DXM as a "drug of concern", due to the abuse and addiction to OTC drugs as well as the danger associated with DXM. Although many stores have placed DXM products behind the pharmacy counter, many stores (grocery) still provide the supply of DXM and OTC drugs on the shelves for anyone's purchase. DXM and OTC drugs are not age restricted for purchase. This makes these over the counter meds readily available to teens, making it more likely that the number of teenagers in drug rehab for addictions to over the counter drugs will only increase until restrictions apply.

Some individuals take large doses of these OTC drugs orally, to achieve a "high" and often mix these drugs with prescription drugs, marijuana, other street drugs, and alcohol. People abusing these over the counter medications may also crush the contents of the pill form of OTC drugs, and inhale the drug through nasal passages, making these OTC drugs effects much more dangerous and the likelihood of addiction much greater, and the need for Drug Rehab more urgent.

Individuals abusing OTC drugs have both short -term and long- term effects as a result of OTC drug use, and drug addiction. The Short-term effects include impaired judgment, nausea, loss of coordination, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, aches, seizures, panic attacks, psychosis, euphoria, cold flashes, dizziness and diarrhea. In worst case scenarios of overdoses from OTC drugs, hospitalization is required and drug rehab is highly recommended upon the patient's release. The long-term effects include restlessness, insomnia, high-blood pressure, coma or death.

In most instances, a drug rehab for OTC abuse can usually be obtained wherever drug treatment is available. Although statistically teens are the most common group sited when referring to OTC drug abuse and are the highest number of people in drug rehab for over the counter addiction, individuals of all ages can come to need some of the substances as their tolerance increases and in some cases they must take the OTC drug just to feel normal and not experience withdrawal symptoms. Drug rehab will give an individual the best chance of overcoming their addiction to these potent, sometimes fatal OTC drugs. . The best treatment for OTC addictions is in a drug rehab that has a good track record at treating individuals addicted to over the counter medications.