Drug Intervention

Drug Intervention

"Intervention" is a reality show that is aired on AETV. I read about this show on another website about drug addiction. The impression of the show I got from that article was negative. According to the article, the one hour program shows the lifestyle of an addict and then sends them to treatment and within the hour they are cured. That is far from the truth about this excellent reality TV show. The show seeks out to intervene in a drug addicts life in order to help them get into treatment. With the help of family and friends, a camera crew follows the addict around and learns about their behaviors as far as social interaction and everyday life. The addict is lead to believe they are participating in a documentary about drug abuse and has no idea they will be facing an intervention. The intervention consists of counselors coaching family and friends to help them confront their loved one with cold hard facts about their demise in hopes of the addict agreeing to accept treatment.

This show is very emotional and it is real. At the end of each show, they tell you what happened to each person after treatment. Not all are success stories, and many times you will see that the addict relapsed after treatment. But you will also see that many of these people that relapsed, are now doing much better and live normal lives without the drugs. So, are treatment centers good or bad? It is my opinion that it solely depends on how bad the addict wants to get help and stay clean. For anyone that has not seen this show, check your local listings or log on to Intervention TV for more information. You will also find information about different types of drugs and their effects. And you can even view video about what really happens after the cameras stopped rolling. Visit the community discussion boards where you can follow up with the recovering and former addicts. This show has been nominated for the 2007 Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography For Reality Programming.

DXM- An Over-the-Counter Drug

DXM

DXM is a drug that you probably have sitting along side your medications. DXM is short for "Dextromethorphan" and it can make a person high. This drug is found in over-the-counter- cold medications, and even though you may not be aware of its potential, drug abusers know all about it. DXM is popular amongst the young crowd. After all, it is very easy to get.

DXM can produce a high that is similar to that of LSD. An out-of-body state, hallucinations, and/or vivid dreams are a few affects. Theft of this drug has been at an all time high and that is why you may see your favorite cold medicine no longer freely available. Many stores have started putting these products behind the pharmacy counter which would require the buyer to ask for it in person.


Coricidin is the most popular medicine containing DXM. It takes a large overdose just to produce the high. When taken in large quantities, this drug can cause health problems such as rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure, kidney or liver damage, lethargy, seizures and even death. Emergency rooms have reported an increase in cases involving DXM, especially cases involving teens.

Check your medicine cabinet now and next time you are at the store thinking about buying cold medication, please remember this information:

• DXM is found in over 140 products
• Look for products labeled "TUSS" or "DM"

Signs that someone is an abuser of DXM:

• dilated pupils
• dizziness
• loss of coordination
• slurred speech

Awareness is the key to prevention. BE ALERT!

(Note: Some also refer to this drug as DMX)