OVER THE COUNTER ADDICTION

It is a common misconception that only illegal or prescribed controlled substance drugs are dangerous. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if abused for the mere purpose of getting high.
 

Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs can be addictive and life-threatening when misused or abused.
 

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Most Common Abused OTC Medications Include:

• Sleeping Pills
  Taken too often, over the counter sleeping pills may cause rebound insomnia (sleeplessness that returns in full force when you stop taking the over-the-counter sleeping pills). In the worst-case scenario, the user will begin to abuse and develop an addiction to these over-the-counter sleeping pills convincing themselves they can’t sleep without it. 

• Cough medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)
  Cough medicines can cause hallucinations and a potent high when abused. High doses can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, shakiness, and even brain damage.

• Cold medicines (Pseudoephedrine)
  Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and an active ingredient in many cold medicines. People may abuse pseudoephedrine to experience hallucinations or an intense “body high.” 

• Pain relievers (Acetaminophen)
  Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in pain relievers like Tylenol. Other side effects of acetaminophen abuse include diarrhea, sweating, nausea, and stomach pain. Acetaminophen is generally taken for its pain-relieving properties. Many people abuse acetaminophen to treat chronic pain.

• Motion sickness pills (Dimenhydrinate)
  Dimenhydrinate is properly used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. In high doses, the drug can cause hallucinations, ringing in the ears, nausea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma, and even death. The drug is often abused for its psychedelic properties.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription or over-the-counter drug addiction, seek help. It could be the difference between a sober and healthy life and an early tragic death.