DXM is a safe & effective ingredient found in most OTC cough medicines…

But some teens report abusing excessive amounts of DXM to get high.

Learn, act, and spread the word

What is DXM medicine abuse?

Millions safely rely on over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) for cough relief, but some teens ignore labeling instructions and take large amounts to get high.

Learn about DXM Abuse

How can you spread awareness?

Awareness is the catalyst for change and prevention starts with you. In addition to having an open dialogue with your teen and monitoring your medicines, you can help prevent medicine abuse by sharing resources with teachers, coaches, and other caring adults in your community. You can explore getting involved in prevention events.

Prevent Abuse

How can you help your teen?

Talk to your teen about the real risks of DXM abuse and pay attention to any unexpected changes. If your teen seems “off” or medicines go missing, don’t wait. Early action leads to better outcomes.

Learn about DXM Abuse

How can you prevent medicine abuse?

Prevention starts with you. Talk to your teen about the real risks of DXM abuse. Share what you learn with teachers, coaches, and other caring adults in your community.

Prevent Abuse

The Icon You Should Be Looking For

Next time you’re shopping for over-the-counter cough medicine, see if you can spot this icon.

National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month

Every October, we partner with CADCA to lead National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. It’s a time for parents, youth, and communities to come together and take a stand against medicine abuse through education, outreach, and action.

LEARN MORE

Stories & Resources

You’re not in this alone. Explore real stories from parents, teens, and experts, plus simple tools to help you recognize signs, start tough conversations, and take the next step. If you’re concerned your child may be misusing medicine, confidential help is available: by phone at 855-DRUGFREE (855-378-4373), by text at 55753 or by email.

Personal Stories
Resources
From the Community
How the Frenchtown Community Coalition Showed Up for the Dose of Prevention Challenge
The Frenchtown Community Coalition (FCC), located in Frenchtown, Montana, is humbled to be the winner of CADCA’s 2023 Dose of Prevention Challenge. During October, the FCC strived to provide Frenchtown School District (FTSD) and the Frenchtown community with multiple opportunities to learn about prescription drug and over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine misuse and abuse. This was […]
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From the Community
Preventing Medicine Misuse: Inspiration From Past Dose of Prevention Winners
This post was updated slightly in September of 2025. Many people know of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that October is also National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month (NMAAM)? We raise awareness about over-the-counter (OTC) medicine misuse and abuse every month, but during October, we kick things into high gear by […]
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From Teens
My Experience Misusing OTC Medicines
This blog post was written by a teen who abused OTC medicines, following in the footsteps of his mom, Cecilia. Read Cecilia’s story. I first started misusing medicine when I was 15. I told my mom I hadn’t slept through the night in weeks. I knew she could relate because I could hear her awake […]
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See all stories
Raising Teens
A Guide for Parents: How to Support Teen Health During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and togetherness. However, for teens, this time can also bring unique challenges—especially with increased free time, social gatherings, and lingering stress from final exams or the anticipation of a new semester. As parents, it’s important to stay vigilant about potential risks to your teen’s health, especially […]
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Abuse Prevention & Education
Cold and Flu Season: What Parents Need to Know About OTC Cough Medicine Abuse
As the chilly months roll in, so do colds and the flu, leading many families to stock up on over the counter (OTC) medicines. While these remedies are essential for easing symptoms and safe when used according to labeling instructions, parents may not realize the hidden risks they pose for teens curious about experimenting with […]
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Community Awareness
Empower Your Teen to Get Involved in Preventing Substance Abuse
October is here, which means it’s National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. It’s a great time to shine a spotlight on an important issue many of us worry about: teen substance abuse. In our case, in collaboration with our partners with CADCA, we specifically want to raise awareness about abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and misuse […]
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See all Resources