Plan to Prevent Teen Cough Medicine Abuse in Michigan Signed into Law

cough-syrup

A plan sponsored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle to protect teens from abusing an ingredient found in over-the-counter cough medicines has become law in the state of Michigan.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant used to treat common cold symptoms. While safe when used as directed, the drug can become dangerous if abused – causing liver damage, heart attack, self-injury while high, or even death. Teenagers across the country have been reported taking 25 times or more of the recommended dose to get high.

One in every 30 teens has abused cough medicine according to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

While the abuse of cough medicine in teens is staggering, the statistics actually show decreased usage in recent years. According to experts, that decrease is thanks to stricter age-restriction policies across the nation.

Kahle said age-restriction laws have been implemented in 17 other states.

*Text in this article courtesy of a press release from State Representative Bronna Kahle’s office*

Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.

Follow WLEN-FM:  

#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews