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.

Back-to-School Conversations That Matter: Talking to Your Teen About OTC Medicine Misuse and Online Challenges

Online trends and peer pressure can influence how teens think about over-the-counter medicines. Get practical, age-specific guidance for talking with your teen about medicine misuse, online challenges, and making safe decisions.

Start the Conversation
Happy high school student using smart phone with her friends in hallway.
teenager on mobile device

Teen Misuse of OTC Cough & Cold Medicines Remains Low

New data shows that teen self-reported misuse of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines remains low. While encouraging, continued education and awareness remain critical to prevent misuse and support informed decision-making among youth.

Read the Latest Findings

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
Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition Inspires Community Action During National Awareness Month
The Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition (DFCYC), located in Cecil County, Maryland, is honored to be named the recipient of CADCA’s 2025 Dose of Prevention Award. This award recognizes the coalition’s efforts throughout October, in educating youth, promoting healthy choices and strengthening substance use prevention throughout Cecil County. Throughout the month, DFCYC brought together student leaders, […]
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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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Abuse Prevention & Education
Does Your Cough Medicine Contain DXM? A Parent’s Guide to Reading the Label 
It’s late at night, and someone in your house is coming down with a cold. They’ve started coughing, so you reach for what is already in your medicine cabinet. Sound familiar? That is exactly why OTC cough medicines are available – to provide convenient relief when symptoms strike unexpectedly. When used as directed, these medicines are safe and effective.  Even so, it’s a good idea to know what is in the bottle. Some OTC cough, cold, and […]
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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