SOME EVIDENCE OF 'DXM' ABUSE WAS FOUND LOCALLY

Special To The Banner

A recent escalation in the abuse of dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant
in over-the-counter cough and cold medications has inspired a Detroit,
Mich., Drug Enforcement Administration's safety warning to parents, schools
and communities.

Dextromethorphan abuse in the Detroit, Mich., area has seen a disturbing
increase recently with the Northeastern Wayne County area showing above
average abuse. Isolated deaths and overdoses have been reported throughout
the United States involving teens experimenting with dextromethophan or
"DXM" as it is referred to by users.

Cleveland pharmacists have seen some activity of abuse. According to Steve
Medley, pharmacist at Central Drug Store, "We had one case of reported
abuse. We really didn't know what the young man was doing with the medication."

Dextromethorphan abuse is often referred to as "Robo Tripping" since many
teens consume excessive amounts of Robotussin cough medication to obtain
the dextromethophan. One particular type of the medication, which contains
codeine can be obtained over the counter, but only with a signature of the
purchaser, according to Allison Jones of Central Drug.

The users of DXM are generally teenagers and young adults. Teens typically
purchase and consume these large quantities of over-the-counter cold
medications to reach the desired effects. Effects from over ingestion
include slurred speech, hyper-excitability, lethargy, sweating,
hypertension and hallucinations.

Unfortunately, in addition to over-the-counter medications, some predatory
distributors are attempting to sell dextromethophan on the Internet.

"Parents need to remember that ruthless and dangerous individuals try to
entice our children with risky products on the Internet. We need to
continually communicate and inform our kids of the dangers that lurk on
something as innocent as the home computer," said Michael A. Braun, special
agent in charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.

Departments should disseminate the following information to parents in
their communities:

* Monitor teens' behavior for sudden and extreme changes in personality

* Are teens eating habits changing dramatically, especially if they are
less interested in eating?

* Are their kids excessively secretive about their computer use?

* Are their children receiving unusual mail or mail without return addresses?

* Are their children interested in obtaining private mailboxes without the
apparent need?

Teens are often under the mistaken impression that abusing substances such
as dextromethorphan, inhalants and nitrous oxide are not as dangerous as
traditional "street" drugs. This is a fallacy that law enforcement, parents
and the media need to work hard to dispel. These myths can in fact be deadly.

For more information on dextromethorphan, go to www.dea.gov.