DXM is commonly the active ingredient in many over the counter cough and cold medicines, and is usually combined with acetaminophen to alleviate pain and discourage its use as a recreational drug. The use of cold medicines or ‘robotripping’ is quickly becoming a favorite among teenagers who chug cough syrup in massive amounts to get high.
Because this drug is both legal and readily available, requiring no prescription to purchase, it is an especially dangerous fad. Teenagers typically take twenty-five to fifty times the recommended dose and mix it with alcohol or other mind altering substances. The lack of risk with acquiring this substance makes it the perfect stepping stone drug and can lead to teenagers dabbling in more dangerous substances later on.
Many parents are lack education about teenage alcoholism and addiction, and seem oblivious to the symptoms when they present themselves. Many parents are simply in denial and would prefer to attribute their child’s behavior to just ‘being a teen’. The sad truth is that this lack of involvement by parents opens up the road for the child to spiral out of control and can seriously affect their future.
The fact is that 1 in 10 teenagers in the US have tried robotripping. Because of their youth and naiveté many teenagers think that because it’s only cough syrup, a common, easily available and legal substance, that is harmless, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. DXM, or Tussin, is addictive if taken repeatedly and over a long period of time & overdoses can be fatal when missed with alcohol, sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medications.
Taking excessive amounts of DXM can cause hallucinations, much like those experienced on LSD or ecstasy. There are many extremely dangerous possible side effects to taking excessive amounts of DXM including cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, bleeding in the brain, coma and death.
Educating teens about the dangers of robotripping is an important part of preventing them from trying this dangerous drug. Because of its legal status and common place use many teenagers aren’t aware there is any danger in taking it, it’s only cough syrup after all. But DXM is a dangerous drug with used incorrectly that can lead to lifelong health issues, addiction and death.
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