There is a new national epidemic drug craze sweeping the schools across America. The new drug of choice among youth in the U. S. is DEXTROMETHORPHAN (DXM). Doctors are calling it the next meth. The street names that seem to be sticking in this area are Triple C, Skittles, and Blueberries.

Children in this area of the U.S. are buying these pills for around $1.00 each. The general amount taken is around 10 pills at once. DXM can be found in the over-the-counter drug, Coricidin, and some brands of cough syrup. A box of 40 pills sells for about $5.00 over-the-counter, making it very profitable for dealers. According to reports, teens have been known to drink 3 to 4 bottles of cough syrup containing DXM in a day and/or take 20-30 tablets of Coricidin at once. There have even been reports of overdoses that have resulted in coma and death. Taking this drug with alcohol, of course, makes using it even more dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms may last for days.

DXM is not recognized as an illegal drug, yet. This gives the user a false sense of security, plus the confidence that using it will not harm them. Efforts are being made to have these over-the-counter drugs taken off of the retail market shelves. To date the only requirement needed to purchase a box of these pills is an ID to prove the buyer is 18 years old. However, there are times that IDs are not checked. Because the drugs are available over-the-counter and the package size is relatively small, users are shoplifting boxes of these pills. Unless it is specifically checked for DXM will not show up in regular drug screenings. Since it is not illegal, users cannot be arrested. However; students can get in trouble at school for being in possession of a controlled substance without parent permission and can be taken into custody as a child in need of care because they are a danger to themselves. Parents could also find themselves involved with the authorities.

If you have drug related concerns or other concerns you may contact the USD 234 school resource officer by calling the school your child attends, his work cell phone (620-215-1080) or the police department (620-223-1700). He may also be reached at the following email address: nihswngr@usd234.org

Click here to view more specific information about DXM.

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