Is your child getting high on cough syrup?

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

************************* In conjunction with the ABCD (Action for Building a Community that is Drug Free) initiative that police and educating partners released and introduced last week, awareness and education are essential parts of this project’s success.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will attempt to identify, inform and educate the public on any drug activity, whether it is a prohibited drug/substance or prescription drug activity, involving or that may affect our local youth. Information to public regarding youths drinking Robitussin DM liquid to obtain a high

In the past week, city police have received information that some youths have been drinking Robitussin DM in attempts to get high.

The youths obtained information over the Internet on “ways to get high”.

Two local youths had to be treated at hospital as a result of reactions they suffered after consuming Robitussin DM.

Kids may refer to this type of drug use as “Robotripping.”

This is hugely popular with kids aged 9-17 both in Canada and the United States.

In their attempts to get “high” the youths consume large amounts of Robitussin or other cough syrups containing DXM.

If large quantities are consumed there can be a hallucinogenic effect.

This is very dangerous and overdosing on any prescription cough syrup can be potentially fatal.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wants to encourage everyone, especially parents and pharmacies to be aware of this and is providing some education tips and warning signs:

- Know how much cold medicine you have in the house

- Don't leave it sitting in a bathroom cabinet

- Talk to your kids, tell them how dangerous this can be despite what they may see on the Internet, there is no safe way to get high

- High amount of cough medicine can cause blurred vision, slurred speech, disorientation and vomiting.

Other tips on seeing the warning signs that your teen is doing drugs

- Radical changes in their behaviour, including increased lying and stealing

- Physical changes, including inability to sleep or hyperactivity

- Emotional changes, including increased sensitivity or confusion and unexplained mood swings

- They could be skipping classes or days of school

- They may lose interest or sleep during class

- Their grades will start slipping

- Withdrawal from family and friends

- Increased irritability or becoming more argumentative

- Neglecting their appearance or hygiene

- Drastic weight gain or loss

- Smoking cigarettes or smelling smoke/marijuana on their clothes or breath

- Criminal activity/acting without regard of the consequences.

Please help our community be drug-free.

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