Five Moms : Stopping Teen Cough Medicine Abuse

Educate yourself and your friends.

Read about cough medicine abuse on this site and others.
Share this information with everyone you know.
Make sure you’re aware of the signs of cough medicine abuse, so that you know how to spot it.
Get help if your teen has a substance abuse problem.

Teach them that medicine is important for preventing and treating illness, but that it should only be used according to directions.
Tell them they should never take medicine without telling you first, and that they should never take someone else’s medicine.
Talk with them about the very serious risks of abusing cough medicine—and that just because something is available without a prescription does not mean it can be abused with no risk.
Learn how to talk to your kids about drug use in general.

Know what medicines and how much of them are in your home.
Keep track of your medicines, and tell your friends to keep an eye on their own medicine cabinets, as well.

Make sure that your children are never online without your permission.
Be clear with your kids about your rules on Internet use at home and outside of the home.
Place your computer in an area of the house where you can easily supervise their Internet activity.
Ask your children about who they talk to and what activities they do online.
Use parental filters to block access to questionable sites.
Build an open and trusting relationship with your kids about their online use.