A man has bankrupted his family after spending over one million yuan ($160,350) indulging his cough syrup addiction.
Zhu, from Xinghua, Jiangsu Province, started drinking the medicine three years ago, after a friend confided that it "made him feel good". Zhu began drinking a bottle a day, but soon began downing over a dozen.
The syrup contains ephedrine and codeine- substances that cause addiction if regularly consumed. Zhu blew all of his money on the cough medicine, causing his family to sell their home and car to pay off his debts.
Zhu's addiction has also led to health problems. After being taken to hospital by his brother, doctors said that the young man suffers from multiple ailments, including kidney stones and fatty liver disease.
Authorities have revealed that others in Xinghua are also addicted to cough syrup, and is investigating the matter as the drug is only obtained through a prescription. Initial findings suggest that a clinic may be involved in prescription fraud.
[Image via Flickr]
