CHPA praises DXM Abuse Prevention Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association expressed support for the DXM Abuse Prevention Act, introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, and Doris Matsui, D-Calif., on Wednesday.
The bipartisan bill aims to prevent teen abuse of over-the-counter cough medicines that contain cough-suppressant dextromethorphan by setting a national, age requirement of 18 years old for buying medicines that contain the ingredient.
“This bill will further allow parents to prevent abuse among teens, while continuing to ensure access for the millions of adults and families who responsibly use products containing DXM to relieve common cough symptoms,” CHPA president and CEO Scott Melville said. “We are extremely thankful for the leadership from Reps. Johnson and Matsui and encourage the House to pass the bill.”
One-in-30 teens abuses DXM to get high by taking 25 times or more of the recommended dose, according to the 2014 National Institute on Drug Abuse Monitoring the Future study.
CHPA has worked to reduce teen DXM abuse through its StopMedicineAbuse.org campaign, which collaborates with The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, National Association of School Nurses, D.A.R.E. America, WebMD, and others.
“CADCA is strongly supportive of the DXM Abuse Prevention Act, which would prohibit the sale of products containing dextromethorphan to those under the age of 18 years,” Gen. Arthur Dean, chairman and CEO of CADCA said. “CADCA and its 5,000 coalition members nationwide have been on the front lines of addressing prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, including the misuse and abuse of dextromethorphan, for more than 13 years. We need to make sure that all kids in every community have the ability to live healthy, drug-free lives, and this bill is a major step in achieving that.”
The bill also has support from the following organizations:
American Association of Poison Control Centers
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Drug Abuse Resistance Education
International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
National Association of School Nurses
National Consumers League
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Safe Kids Worldwide