Teenagers' 'Hallucination Parties' Spread as Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse Surges

The Hankyoreh reports with grave concern on a disturbing trend among South Korean youth: the rise of "OD parties," where teenagers intentionally overdose on over-the-counter medications to experience hallucinations. This phenomenon, amplified by social media, has prompted warnings from health authorities and pharmacists alike.

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Even over-the-counter drugs can easily lead to tolerance if misused, and people gradually increase their dosage to get a stronger stimulus.

This reckless behavior, often glamorized online under the moniker "OD party," involves consuming large quantities of common drugs like painkillers, cold medicine, and sleep aids. Some accounts detail teenagers ingesting up to 30 Tylenol pills at once, a stark indicator of the escalating danger. The Korean Health Promotion Institute and the Korean Pharmaceutical Association have issued urgent warnings, highlighting the potential for severe health consequences, including hallucinations, heart problems, seizures, and even liver failure from acetaminophen overdose.

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Adolescents, whose brain control functions are not yet fully developed, can more easily fall into drug abuse, which can lead to severe drug addiction.

Experts emphasize that even readily available over-the-counter drugs can be life-threatening when misused. The developing brains of adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the addictive nature of these substances, making them more susceptible to severe drug abuse. The article stresses the critical need for increased awareness and guidance from parents and schools to combat this growing public health crisis. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association has already taken proactive steps, distributing guidelines to pharmacies nationwide to identify and intervene in suspicious purchases by minors, positioning pharmacies as a crucial last line of defense.

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Overdosing on over-the-counter drugs, despite being perceived as safe, is a life-threatening act.

The trend underscores a worrying aspect of modern youth culture, where online trends can quickly translate into dangerous real-world actions. The Hankyoreh, committed to public health and safety, aims to provide accurate information to counter the spread of misinformation and protect young people from these perilous online challenges. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the well-being of the next generation.

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We will continue to proactively respond to misinformation that threatens the health of adolescents and continuously spread correct health information.