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Steps to Prevent Abuse

Step one: learn about the issue

While most teens know about this issue, many parents don’t. And that can be trouble for parents who are trying to keep their kids from abusing drugs. Use the tools listed in the Learn About Abuse section of StopMedicineAbuse.org to learn more about the issue of teen cough medicine abuse. Learn the real dangers and warning signs.

Step two: talk with your kids

It can’t be overstated: Parents do have the power to keep their kids drug-free. Include cough medicine abuse in your drug-abuse conversations with your kids. Make sure they understand you do not approve of any sort of substance abuse behavior and that they understand the risks of medicine abuse. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has some useful tips on how to get this conversation started.

Step three: share what you've learned with other parents and teen influencers

Speak up, at school meetings, sports events, and other gatherings of parents, to make sure they all know the warning signs of medicine abuse. And, importantly, make sure you know who your kids are hanging out with and that their parents are aware of this problem. Many kids are abusing these medicines right in their homes or their friends’ homes. To help, there are community resources available here to get you started.

We also have an online, grassroots campaign, the Five Moms: Stopping Cough Medicine Abuse Campaign, making it easy to share information about medicine abuse with your friends and neighbors.

The Five Moms campaign is designed raise awareness among parents by using the very same tactics medicine abusers use: spreading information on the Internet. The Five Moms’ goal is to get the word out to as many parents as possible that cough medicine abuse is happening in homes, schools, and communities across the country, using the Internet as the driving force. The Five Moms Campaign has information in both English and Spanish, making it easy to send that information directly to your friends’ e-mail inboxes.

The Five Moms has reached over 24 million parents already. Join the effort and help spread the word.

You also can be part of our community on Facebook.

Step four: safeguard your medicine cabinets

Once you’ve learned about the issue and made sure your neighbors and friends are aware as well, take stock of all the medications you have in your home. Know what you have and how much, so you will know if anything is missing.

Step five: monitor your teen's Internet activities

A primary way cough medicine abuse is spreading is through the Internet. There are many web sites that actually promote medicine abuse. Teens also are posting videos of themselves online while high on cough medicines.

Be sure to monitor what sites your teens are visiting online and whether they are posting videos of themselves. Many Internet safety experts recommend keeping a family computer in a public place in the home to make it easier for you to keep an eye on your children while they are online.

Step six: seek professional help if needed

If you think your teen needs professional help, talk to your child’s doctor, teacher, or school counselor for suggestions. You can also call 1.800.662.HELP or visit http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov, the treatment locator hotline and web site of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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