Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant that is commonly added to cough and cold medications such as Nyquil and Robitussin. As cough syrups and cold medications are widely available, as well as other over the counter (OTC) drugs, teens find easy access to this drug. Using an excessive amount of DXM produces a similar high as the illegal drug PCP. The short term effects of abusing cough and cold medications results in delusions, hallucinations, and an altered sense of reality. It is estimated that as many as 1 in every 10 high school students has taken high doses of cough or cold medications with the purpose of getting high.
Due to the fact that there is easy access to cough syrups and cold medications, it is difficult to prevent teens from experimenting with DXM. In some places, there are laws that prohibit the selling of cough syrups to minors under the age of 18. In addition, parents are encouraged to keep these types of drugs in a safe place, outside of the medicine cabinet, and talk to their teens about the dangers of misusing them. Many teens view DXM as a drug that is relatively safe, because it is legal and sold in stores. However, using cold and cough medications to get high can pose some serious health consequences.
DXM affects the brain directly and has the ability to alter many of the organ systems. Dizziness, difficulty breathing, memory loss, seizures, an irregular heart rhythm, extreme changes in blood pressure, and even coma or death can result. In addition, Cough and cold syrups and other medications commonly contain a combination of ingredients that may include acetaminophen, a drug for headaches, pain, and fever. In high doses, acetaminophen is toxic to the body and can cause significant damage to the liver. Overall, DXM poses significant danger to those who abuse it. Parents need to be aware of this growing trend and watchful for teen DMX abuse in their homes.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Teen Independence
Parenting teens can be particularly challenging. Some rebellion can be expected as teens naturally struggle for their independence. Teens will push boundaries, argue for the sake of arguing, and compete with you in an ongoing battle for power. Finding the balance between giving them too much freedom and being overprotective is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. However, it is healthy and natural for a teen to grow into an independent adult.
Next time your teen fights you over curfew or battles to make their own choices, have some perspective on the situation. Although parenting a teen that fights for their independence may seem like a challenge, consider the alternative. Imagine if your teen never wanted to leave the house and was content living under your roof and under your instruction for life. This would not be appropriate or healthy. A teen’s desire to become independent is an innate characteristic that assists them in growing into adulthood.
As teens struggle for their independence, there may be times when it is appropriate to give in. This doesn’t mean to give them free reign in every situation. However, you may want to pick your battles. Teens should start exercising some control over many of their own choices. Therefore, ask yourself if the issue at hand poses an immediate threat to your teen or their safety. Although you may not agree with all the choices your teen makes, they should still be entitled to make decisions independently when it is feasible.
Teaching independence to your teen goes hand in hand with teaching responsibility. It may not be as important for your teen to always make the right decisions as it is for them to learn accountability for the decisions they make. Set up a system of rewards and consequences that correspond with the goals you have for your teen. If they chose not to take out the trash, they learn that they cannot borrow the car. This allows teens to exercise power to make their own choices, while learning accountability and growing into independent adults.
Next time your teen fights you over curfew or battles to make their own choices, have some perspective on the situation. Although parenting a teen that fights for their independence may seem like a challenge, consider the alternative. Imagine if your teen never wanted to leave the house and was content living under your roof and under your instruction for life. This would not be appropriate or healthy. A teen’s desire to become independent is an innate characteristic that assists them in growing into adulthood.
As teens struggle for their independence, there may be times when it is appropriate to give in. This doesn’t mean to give them free reign in every situation. However, you may want to pick your battles. Teens should start exercising some control over many of their own choices. Therefore, ask yourself if the issue at hand poses an immediate threat to your teen or their safety. Although you may not agree with all the choices your teen makes, they should still be entitled to make decisions independently when it is feasible.
Teaching independence to your teen goes hand in hand with teaching responsibility. It may not be as important for your teen to always make the right decisions as it is for them to learn accountability for the decisions they make. Set up a system of rewards and consequences that correspond with the goals you have for your teen. If they chose not to take out the trash, they learn that they cannot borrow the car. This allows teens to exercise power to make their own choices, while learning accountability and growing into independent adults.
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