Beliefs and Social Norms About Codeine and Promethazine Hydrochloride Cough Syrup (CPHCS) Use and Addiction Among Multi-Ethnic College Students

Abstract

In this study a qualitative approach is used to investigate relevant beliefs and nonns concerning the consumption, initiation, and perceived addiction of codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup (CPHCS) among 61 college-age students who identified themselves as current CPHCS users. In general, a majority of students stated that doctors and phannacists were the greatest facilitators of CPHCS acquisition. A majority of students believed that their friends felt codeine promethazine use was “normal” and “cool” among college students their age, and that reinforcing factors, such as peer pressure and curiosity, contributed to initial CPHCS use.

Keywords:

• beliefs
• codeine initiation
• cough syrup
• social norms
• students