U.S. Senate Introduces Resolution Naming October National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month

In response to the growing epidemic of prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse, the U.S. Senate has introduced a resolution designating October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month (NMAAM). CADCA applauds the Senate for this initiative, and in partnership with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is sponsoring several town hall meetings about medicine abuse during the month of October.

Sponsored by Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D- Calif.), Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), S. Res. 263 designates October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and urges communities to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with prescription and OTC medicine abuse.

According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in 10 teens reports having abused cough medicine to get high with some teens intentionally take excessive amounts—sometimes up to 50 times the recommended dose—to get “high” from the active ingredient dextromethorphan. When used correctly, dextromethorphan-containing medicines have a 50-year history of being safe and effective. But when abused in extreme excess, dextromethorphan can produce dangerous side effects, especially when combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs.

“I applaud Senators Grassley, Durbin, Feinstein, Whitehouse, and Schumer for introducing this important resolution. By designating October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, it will help raise awareness of the alarming numbers of young people who currently abuse prescription and OTC cough medicines. Hopefully, this will spur a dialogue on this issue in communities across the country,” said Gen. Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO.

In May 2009, The Partnership/Metlife Parents Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) indicated that more parents are talking to their teen about the dangers of using OTC cough and cold medicine to get high. Additionally, in February 2009, the 20th annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Survey , a national study of teen behavior and attitudes about drugs and alcohol, showed that an increased number of teens view the intentional abuse of OTC cough medicines as risky.

“While we are pleased with our progress, raising awareness about the abuse of cough medicine remains a top priority for us. Continued support from the U.S. Senate coupled with our educational initiatives will help us in our efforts to stop medicine abuse,” said Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., president, CHPA. Localities interested in hosting their own town hall or launching an educational campaign during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month can download helpful planning tools at: StopMedicineAbuse.org.