Over the last year, approximately one in 20 teens reported taking large amounts of OTC cough medicines containing the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM) to get high. Although safe and effective when taken according to labeling instructions, medicines that contain DXM can produce dangerous side effects when abused.

The Stop Medicine Abuse campaign educates parents, teens, and community leaders about medicine abuse. For instance, did you know that teens use slang terms to refer to DXM abuse? The campaign’s Five Moms initiative brings together five mothers from across the country who share advice and experiences with other moms and spread awareness about teen medicine abuse. Get more information, read their blog, and order free educational brochures at StopMedicineAbuse.org.

In today’s segment, we will hear from Five Mom Christy Crandell, author, Co-Founder Full Circle Treatment Center, and drug awareness advocate from California. Ten years ago, Christy’s life was forever changed when she discovered news of her son’s arrest, stemming from charges committed while high on OTC cough medicine and marijuana. Christy has since made it her mission to help other parents educate themselves about the dangers facing their teens and seeks to arm them with the tools they need to avoid the tragedy her family was forced to face. Listen on to hear more about Christy’s story, how she has effectively turned tragedy positive, and advice for educating yourself on medicine abuse.

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