NCJ Number
211045
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 55-75
Date Published
2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the medicine-based neuropharmacology and epidemiology of dextromethorphan (DM), as well as the social characteristics of DM abuse and treatment and prevention issues.
Abstract
DM is an over-the-counter antitussive medication that is becoming a popular drug of abuse among adolescents who may be drawn to it because of its easy access, low cost, and legal status. Due to the lack of understanding of DM as a drug of abuse, adolescent abuse of DM tends to out-match health care provider awareness. This article describes the current understanding of DM’s addiction neuropharmacology and epidemiology and the social characteristics that are unique to DM as a drug of abuse. Despite the popularity of DM, there is little research concerning its epidemiologically defined abuse characteristics. Emerging trends indicate that DM is used primarily by adolescents and its use appears to be on the rise. The long-term health consequences of DM abuse have yet to be consistently documented, possibly leaving abusers with the impression that it is a safe product to abuse. The challenges of recognizing DM abuse confounds the problems related to screening and prevention. Future research should focus on identifying the health consequences of DM abuse and on investigating population-based prevention initiatives. Tables, references