Legal Medications Being Used To Get High

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There was a time when illegal drugs were a major problem with young adults. They still are but now there are equal concerns about legal medications to get high.

Here is an example: a commonly found chemical in top over-the-counter cough suppressants is dextromethorphan or dm. Dm is very effective at controlling a cough, but there are other problems. In high doses it can cause hallucinations, loss of motor control, and so-called out of body sensations. Some teens chug cough medications but this can lead to vomiting which has made it unpopular. Believe it or not some cough medicine abusers are now turning to the internet where they can buy dm in its powder form.

Throw in pain medications that are often in parents' medicine cabinets and you have a serious problem on your hands.