Gov. Blagojevich signs law to curb abuse of cough syrup medication         

New law makes it illegal to sell or purchase pure dextromethorphan

[MAY 27, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed legislation Thursday making it illegal to sell or buy the pure form of dextromethorphan, a drug known as DXM and commonly used in cough syrups such as Triaminic or Robitussin. House Bill 4300, sponsored by Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Charleston, and Sen. Dale Risinger, R-Peoria, will help counter the availability of highly concentrated DXM on the Internet. The level of DXM in prescription and over-the-counter medications is safe in correct doses, but when taken incorrectly it can have hallucinogenic effects similar to PCP and ketamine.

"The idea that kids can go online and easily get their hands on a dangerous drug is appalling," Blagojevich said. "This law helps put to stop that, and that's why I'm signing it."

House Bill 4300 imposes stiff penalties on offenders who possess, sell or attempt to sell dextromethorphan that is not received as a prescription or in an over-the-counter form -- for instance, its pure form sold over the Internet. Possession of DXM alone is a Class 4 felony punishable by one to three years in prison. The sale or possession with intent to sell is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison.

The legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2007, passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly.

When taken in large quantities, DXM can cause seizures, comas and even death. According to Partnership for a Drug-Free America, common effects include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of physical coordination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, drowsiness, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. DXM abusers describe different "plateaus," ranging from mild distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations, "out-of-body" dissociative sensations and loss of motor control. DXM is also sometimes abused in combination with other medications, alcohol and illegal drugs, which can increase the dangerous side effects. At least two deaths in Illinois have been reportedly linked to overdoses on pure DXM.

"I would like to thank the governor for signing this bill," said Rose. "I hope that the signing of this legislation will prevent future tragedies like the one that happened in my district and Illinois State University."

"A student at Illinois State University died in September 2003 of an overdose of dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a cough suppressant typically found in cold medicine," Risinger said. "The victim had legally purchased the drug in a pure form via the Internet. At least four other U.S. deaths have been attributed to DXM overdoses."

Risinger says Illinois will lead the nation with this new law. In 2003, legislation was introduced in Texas and North Dakota to prohibit the sale of DXM to minors. The proposed legislation did not pass in either state. A similar bill introduced in California last year was also defeated.

Throughout his administration, Blagojevich has supported measures to combat drug use and improve treatment for drug addicts. In the fiscal 2007 budget, the governor allocated funds to put more police on the street to fight methamphetamine, treat meth addicts and help prisoners get on their feet upon release so they may lead healthier and more productive lives.

New police officers

Blagojevich earmarked $3 million in the new budget to begin training 100 new Illinois State Police cadets. Two new cadet classes of 50 officers each will be trained in fiscal 2007 -- the first class beginning this summer and the second beginning in June of 2007. In addition, the budget includes $8.4 million to purchase approximately 300 police cars.

Combating meth

Blagojevich provided full funding in the fiscal 2007 budget for the creation of a specialized 200-bed treatment unit, at the 667-bed Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center, for inmates with meth addictions. The new unit, which will receive $1.9 million from the state and $4.78 million from the federal government, will be modeled after the Sheridan National Model Drug Prison and Reentry program, which has shown tremendous success, with a reincarceration rate that is nearly 50 percent lower than other groups.

In Illinois, the number of meth labs dismantled grew from 24 in 1997 to 961 in 2004. In the last three years, Illinois has provided law enforcement with more tools to fight meth and made it easier for prosecutors to go after meth-makers. Illinois laws regarding meth are among the toughest in the nation.

In addition, a new investment of $1.6 million will allow the state to implement pilot programs in 19 counties to improve security around anhydrous ammonia tanks and reduce methamphetamine production.

Preparing prisoners for re-entry

New funding of $5.7 million will enable the Department of Corrections to increase programming in support of parolee re-entry, including interview skills and transitional employment. These efforts to prepare inmates to return to their communities will build on Blagojevich's emphasis on reducing recidivism.

[News release from the governor's office]