The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has pushed for more education and awareness regarding teenage abuse of both Rx and OTC drugs. The association's pledge is in response to a study about the increase in abuse of dextromethorphan among California teens reported in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (December 2006).

Along with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, CHPA has developed English-and Spanish-language educational resources for parents, teens, and community leaders. The resources are designed to educate parents about prescription and OTC drug abuse, according to Linda A. Suydam, DPA, CHPA president.

"We believe that education is the most effective way to keep kids from abusing all types of substances, including [OTC] medicines, and, in fact, studies have shown that teens who talk about drugs with their parents are half as likely to use drugs," stated Dr. Suydam.