Jaffee Pushes Bill Restricting Prescription Drug Abuse

New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee called attention to the dangers of cough medicine abuse during a press conference Tuesday at South Orangetown Middle School.

Jaffee is sponsoring a bill that would restrict the sale of cough medicine with the ingredient Dexromethorphan, or “DXM” to anyone under 18 without a prescription.

According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in eleven teenagers have used cough medicines to get high. DXM is the most prevalent ingredient in over 100 cough and cold suppressants including Robitussin, Sudafed and Tylenol products. Medications that contain DXM are frequently and safely used by millions of Americans every year, however it is not uncommon for this ingredient to be abused.

In the past 15 years, the abuse of DXM has sharply increased among teenagers which can cause confusion, dizziness, numbness of the fingers and toes, and disorientation, leaving kids with a temporary high known as “robo-tripping.” In larger quantities, DXM can cause hallucinations, and seizures. Continued use of the drug can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.

Over two years ago, Jaffee was inspired to take action after hearing personal stories of the damaging effects of the drug, and began doing her own research on the topic.

“Too many of our teens are abusing this medicine to get high,” said Jaffee.

Jaffee examined the dangers of peer pressure, and how it leads to poor discussions that endanger the health and future of teenagers. That led Jaffee to work for the passing of the bill limiting the sale of DXM. When an individual wants to buy a product with DXM in it and they do not have a prescription, they will have to show a valid ID showing they are over 18 before purchase. Breaking this law will result in a fine of $250.

The law already exists in several counties including Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau County. The new bill will enforce the restriction on a state level.

“The age restriction will deny easy accessibility and help to a great extent,” said Jaffee.

The bill passed the Assembly and the Senate, moving on to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk, where it is currently awaiting a signature. Jaffee is confident that her bill will become a law.

“We anticipate that the governor will pass this legislation,” Jaffee said

The expected passage of the bill will come as a relief to many, especially those who have had first hand experience with the harmful effects of substance abuse, such as Ruth Bowles, executive director of the Rockland Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependence.

“We know that environmental strategies, including new legislation to restrict availability, helps us greatly in our work to reduce underage substance abuse,” said Bowles. “Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic, but if we can change the policy around accessibility, we keep our kids safe.”

Despite the positive impacts that a law like this will have, Jaffee is a firm believer that abuse of DXM and other prescription drugs will not end with legislation alone. As a whole, the speakers agreed that raising awareness in the communities is equally important to ending this problem.  

South Orangetown Community Awareness of Substance Abuse (SOCASA) Co-Director Vicki Shaw said, “It takes a whole community to raise awareness with students and parents.”

According to Jaffee, such awareness will help teenagers who have lost their way.

“Sometimes young people don’t understand what they’re getting themselves into and they need assistance,” said Jaffe.

In addition, multiple speakers acknowledged just how important parents are in the process of limiting and stopping substance abuse.

Christopher Goldrick, Director of the Rockland County Drug Task Force, said, “The first line of defense with DXM is the parents at home.”

“We need to make sure that parents understand the danger of prescription drugs,” said Jaffee. “Put up a wall and parents will become more aware.”

Susan Maher, co-director of SOCASA pointed out one way the law could help educate parents.

“Once you get ID’d as a parent, you know it’s a dangerous substance,” Maher said.

Students involved in their respective school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and SOCASA also spoke Tuesday. Becky Rasmussem and Maggie Murtha attend Tappan Zee High School, and Nancy Garcia and Johanna Mato attend South Orangetown Middle School. The students all advocated for the benefits of the bill as well as the harmful nature of DXM.

“DXM is not safe when not used properly, and it’s important to put restrictions on it,” said Rasmussem.

Jaffee and countless other proponents of this bill are currently awaiting the governors decision. If passed, Jaffee believes the new laws will truly make a difference in the state, and better the lives of individuals who otherwise may turn to substance abuse.

“I think the bill is going to make a huge difference. It will deny access. And once you deny access, you raise awareness,” said Jaffe. “It’s a very important step.”