Cough-syrup addiction.

Abstract

DURING the past two years 10 boys have been referred to the court clinic in Framingham‡ for evaluation because of prolonged use of a specific cough syrup. This preparation, containing dihydrocodeinone bitartrate, was formerly sold as an exempt narcotic, needing no prescription. This opium derivative has recently been receiving increasing attention because of its use or misuse, not only in this preparation but also as a substitute for higher narcotics that are more difficult to obtain. In fact, the Federal Narcotics Bureau has taken note of the danger from dihydrocodeinone and cough syrups containing it, and under new legislation has . . .