The internet is a powerful tool that has been around for decades, but it can also be a source for less than well thought out trends and challenges, sometimes with serious consequences. In correlation to this, alcohol and drug professionals and rehab centers are continuously having to adjust to new substances put on the mark by drug traffickers as well as new combinations of drugs that individuals try in order to get a new or stronger high. These can also be deadly, as the country has seen with the recent uptick in opioid overdoses due to Fentanyl use and the substance being added to other drugs.
If you ever have any questions about the combination of particular drugs and alcohol or anything else regarding substance use disorders, please give us a call at Serenity Oaks. We have the knowledge and staff members who can help you with any information you may need.
What is the NyQuil Chicken Tik Tok Trend?
According to an article on The Food Network posted on September 26th, 2022, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding the cooking of chicken in the nighttime cold and flu medicine, NyQuil. The internet is touting this trend as new on the mobile video app TikTok, but it actually dates back to a Twitter user tweeting out a picture of chicken being cooked in the blue liquid in 2017, which was done as a joke. Drug detox and drug rehab professionals have been quick to say that the joke has gone too far.
The Effects of Cooking Chicken in NyQuil
NyQuil contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine all of which change when boiled, the same as most chemical compounds. This is dangerous in two ways. First, boiling creates fumes that when inhaled could be the equivalent of taking many doses of the over the counter medicine, which is dangerous to do regardless of the form the drug is in at the time. Second, boiling any substance can concentrate it and also alter its makeup, which can lead to reactions a person would not have if they just took the cold and flu medicine as directed.
FDA Issues Warning About Cooking Chicken in NyQuil
The warning about cooking chicken in NyQuil that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued did have the positive effect of encouraging TikTok to take the viral videos down, which they did. One of the issues is that some of the videos claim that this was yet another way NyQuil could be used when you were sick, and that it would be helpful when you have cold and flu symptoms, which it will not. Another problem is that many of the videos call for the use of at least half a bottle, which again is well above the recommended dosage.
NyQuil and Codeine Abuse and Addiction
NyQuil and other products that are used for pain relief and as sleep aids during cold and flu season are also commonly abused. When not used properly, NyQuil can cause the following side effects:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nervousness and excitability
- Stomach pain
NyQuil should not be used just to fall asleep outside of times someone has flu like symptoms, but this is one of the ways it is abused. A person can develop a dependence and then an addiction to NyQuil, which will result in withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the medicine if things go this far.
Codeine Abuse and Addiction Treatment at Serenity Oaks
If you have been abusing or have become addicted to any over the counter medicines, including products with Codeine or NyQuil, please give us a call today at Serenity Oaks. We have inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and many other substance abuse treatment plans that can help. Call us today at (833) 720-0708.
