[CCHS] Fwd(2): FW: BDATF Newsletter-Cough Syrup & Soda

[Art Dulong]

Good afternoon,

	Kathy Bowen, our Health Education Coordinator, passed along the
information below. Neither she nor I would suggest that this is a problem
in Concord and Carlisle at this time. But the never ending task of keeping
the students healthy and helping them refrain from the many options for
risky behavior requires that we be aware of potential adolescent trends.
The information is offered simply or your consideration and background
knowledge. 

Arthur Dulong
Principal, CCHS
(978) 341-2490 x7110

----- Original Message -----


DEA Says Misuse of Cough Syrup/Soft Drink Mix on Rise 
October 23, 2006

News Summary 

Mixing cough syrup and soft drinks or power drinks has become a popular to
get high in some parts of the U.S., the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) says.

USA Today reported Oct. 19 that users mix prescription cough suppressants
containing promethazine and codeine with soda or sports drinks, sometimes
adding a Jolly Rancher candy and ice. The mix causes euphoria and impairs
motor skills.

The trend got national attention when Terrance Kiel, a defensive back for
the San Diego Chargers, was arrested last month for allegedly having cases
of cough syrup shipped to his home in East Texas. The cough-medicine
cocktails, known as "Lean," "Sizzurp," "Purple Drank," or other nicknames,
are especially popular in the region.

A 2004 survey found that 8.3 percent of Texas secondary-school students
reported using codeine-based cough syrups to get high. Officials from
Texas to Florida report misuse of the prescription medication. The syrup
often is obtained from online pharmacies.

The syrup sells for about $12 a pint wholesale, but is sold for $300 a
pint to dealers who then sell it for $40-85 per ounce to consumers
($640-$1,360 per pint).

Cough-syrup use has been popularized in rap songs, including mixes by
Houston disc-jockey DJ Screw (who died of a cocaine overdose in 2000) and
songs by Three 6 Mafia ("Sippin' on the Syrup"). 




 


 


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