GETTING TEENS OFF A LEGAL DRUG

Drug counselors and poison-control centers are reporting higher rates
of teen abuse of legal, nonprescription medications - a warning to
adults to be more vigilant. In particular, various types of cough
suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DXM) have been found
especially appealing to many teens because they provide an easily
accessible and low-cost "high."

Some parent groups have rightly called for retail outlets to
voluntarily put these products behind the counter, and some stores
have complied. That's no easy task, since more than 250 such products
contain DXM.

Already, three states (California, New York, and New Jersey) have
introduced legislation to restrict the sale of products containing DXM
to minors. More states should follow their lead.

To its credit, the Consumer Health Care Products Association, a trade
association representing makers of over-the-counter drugs, has paid
for a brochure from the nonprofit Partnership for a Drug-Free America
warning parents of the dangers of DXM. And the partnership has taken
up a needed study to better determine the prevalence of DXM abuse.

In Sweden, DXM is available only by prescription. Until more states
restrict sales of DXM, it is better off behind the counter, where
adults can more closely supervise it.