There are currently no adequate prevalence measures of DXM abuse, however, use is estimated to be low compared to other drugs. Abuse of cough medicines containing DXM is characterized as sporadic by the Drug Enforcement Administration. There is little in current teen culture - music, movies, fashion and entertainment - that promotes or even mentions cough medicine abuse. The one exception is the Internet.

The effects of DXM abuse vary with the amount taken. Common effects can include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech, impaired pysical coordination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, drowsiness, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. DXM abusers describe different "plateaus" ranging from mild distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations and "out-of-body," dissociative, sensations, and loss of motor control.

REPEATED INJURIES: Bruises, welts, burns. Parents may seem unconcerned, deny that anything is wrong, or give unlikely explanations for the injuries. NEGLECTED APPEARANCE:Children often are badly nourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or are wandering at all hours, always seem as if nobody cares. (Sometimes, though, over-neatness may be a sign of abuse.) DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Very aggressive, negative behavior constantly repeated can signal a desperate need for attention and help.

Substance abuse is very common. A recent survey by SAMHSA (2002) found that 19.5 million Americans age 12 and over used illegal substances in the past month. This is about 8% of that population. The most common substance was marijuana. 4% of those surveyed between the ages of 12-13 were currently using substances. Substance abuse crosses all ages, races and geographical locations.

There are over 100 different products that contain DXM (not including generic brands). Most cough remedies contain DXM since the ingredient dextromethorphan safely and effectively suppresses coughs brought on by the common cold or flu. DXM works by raising the coughing threshold in the brain. Products that contain DXM come in several forms -- liquid, tablets, and gelcaps.

DXM is a safe and effective cough suppressant ingredient found in over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines. When used according to directions, products containing DXM produce few side effects and have a long history of safety and effectiveness. Some teens are attempting to get high by taking much larger than recommended doses of DXM in the form of OTC cough syrup, tablets and gel caps. In these high doses, DXM can produce hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.

In one survey 15% of the staff interviewed at adult homes reported witnessing abuse of the elderly. The abuse ranged from verbal abuse (yelling, cursing, threats, etc.) to punishing residents by withholding food, excess use of physical restraints, and placing difficult residents in isolation. (Testimony of Professor Catherine Hawes, PhD, "Elder Abuse in Long Term Care Facilities: What is known about prevalence, cause, and prevention," before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, June 18, 2002).

One Congressional study found that 1 out of every 3 nursing homes has been cited for abuse including injuries, sexual abuse and death. Congressional investigators further found that one in five nursing homes failed to report abuse. Even worse the investigators found that in 256 nursing homes the abuse was so serious it placed patients' lives at risk.

Approximately 1.6 million Americans live in nursing home or elder care facilities in the U.S. and up to one-third of the facilities have been cited for abuse or neglect. Despite laws that protect elders from such mistreatment, the number of violations is only expected to increase in the future.

Elder abuse is a serious problem that too often goes unreported. Current statistics vary greatly as the number of reported cases seems to be a very small sampling of this increasing form of abuse. The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study showed in 1996 that more than 500,000 people over the age of 60 were victims of abuse in the United States.

Alcohol: Alcohol, while a legal drug, is often abused and habitual use can lead to addiction and significant physical and psychological health problems. Alcohol is rapidly metabolized by the liver into its principle chemical components including carbon dioxide and sugars. Alcohol is within the family of depressant drugs with symptoms including slurred speech, loss of motor coordination and impaired judgment.

This is a small list of some of the things which people have reported were particularly unpleasant, boring, or otherwise unenjoyable. Most individuals who have exercised under the influence of DXM have reported negative effects such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and a general loss of the more enjoyable aspects of the trip. This seems to become more and more significant with higher doses of DXM. The one exception seems to be swimming, which if done on a first plateau DXM dose can be enjoyable.

Some people have trouble achieving hallucinations on DXM. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful, based on reports I have received (note: none of this should be taken as advice in any way; I'm just passing this along): Place yourself in partial or complete darkness. Most NMDA/sigma agents seem to give the best hallucinations when there is little or no visual input. Close your eyes.

All chemical processes in this section require pure DXM. If you do not have pure DXM, you must extract from cough formulae as above (and purify it really well). Most of these processes require significant skill, and access to lab equipment and chemicals. To my knowledge none of this is illegal (but don't take my word on it). Don't fret if your yields aren't as good as specified. Most of the procedures are from the same source (96). This is probably the easiest by far.

It is repeated mistreatment or neglect of a child by parent(s) or other guardian resulting in injury or harm. Under California Law, child abuse is a crime. Children need protection because they are vulnerable and often unable to speak for themselves. The California Child Abuse Reporting Law, along with other state laws, provides the legal basis for action to protect children and allow intervention by public agencies if a child is maltreated.

is the child still in danger or in need of medical care? No two reports are handled in exactly the same way. Decisions by all the people involved are based on each child's situation. Even reports on two children in the same family may be handled differently. The agency receiving the report will determine how to proceed based on the information available. All reports which describe situations that fall within statutory definitions of abuse/neglect will receive a response.

Yes. There is more to an abusive relationship then bruises and black eyes. There is so much more. The common types of abuse are: Spousal abuse (domestic violence), psychological abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, and many others. For more detailed information on this question, look through the "many forms of abuse and their effects" section of this site.