Dextromethorphan Abuse - Dextromethorphan Addiction

Dextromethorphan Abuse - Dextromethorphan Addiction drug rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation

Dextromethorphan an Antitussive Drug

Dextromethorphan is an over the counter (OTC) cough suppressant and is also referred to as DXM. DXM is found in many cold medications and is also very common anymore to be abused. This drug found in Robitussin and Coricidin cough and cold medications which are very successful in reducing the miserable symptoms associated with the common cold.


There are over 120 over the counter cold medications that contain Dextromethorphan either by itself or in combinations of other drugs like acetaminophen, antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants. Dextromethorphan is a white powder and is available most of the time in tablet form, capsule and liquid form. DXM also comes in a lozenge form as is taken by mouth. Unfortunately this isn't the only use for medications containing DXM now-a-days.


DXM is a synthetic man-made substance that is related chemically to codeine. It has taken the place of codeine and throughout the United States, is the most widely used. There are street names given to DXM (Dextromethorphan) by those who abuse this substance which include; DM, Velvet, Rojo and Robo.


There are also names given to reference the intoxication of DXM users which include: Dexing, Robo tripping and Skittling.


People of all ages abuse dextromethorphan but the younger generation is primarily the age group that most commonly abuses DXM for the euphoric and distorted 'trip' high doses can generate.


This video provides facts about Dextromethorphan and it's side effects.


Dextromethorphan or DXM abuse

Most of the time dextromethorphan is ingested orally but some people snort the pure powder. Depending upon how much DXM is abused at a time will determine the extent and intensity of the hallucinogenic high the drug user will experience. DXM users describe several plateaus' that occur depending on the amount of drug that's abused and the weight of the individual abusing DXM. Many users have this down to a fine science and know just how much to abuse in order to reach the plateau they desire. The plateaus' are as follows:

  1. Plateau 1: Mild inebriation

  2. Plateau 2: This can be compared to alcohol intoxication along with mild hallucinations. Slurred speech and memory can be impaired.

  3. Plateau 3: State of consciousness is altered and the user's vision and other senses can be impaired.

  4. Plateau 4: Out of body experiences. The user loses some or all of their senses and body awareness.


PCP and Ketamine effects are the same as plateau 4 when they're abused also.


There are many websites throughout the World Wide Web that actually promote the abuse of DXM and actually go into detail telling an individual how to do it. Dextromethorphan is also widely available so it's easy to be obtained. There are also websites out there that illegally sell DXM powder which is very dangerous because you don't know what you're really getting. It could be mixed with any toxic chemicals and the DXM user would never know until it was too late. This is very serious and dangerous.


Why is Dextromethorphan (DXM) Abused?

Individuals that abuse DXM do it for the hallucinations that are generated when using it in high doses. They experience intense euphoria along with mental, visual, audio and physical delusional experiences. All of their senses are heightened but not in a healthy way. Many times these delusional hallucinations are extremely scary and produce paranoia.


DXM Withdrawal Symptoms

If an individual abuses dextromethorphan and they stop abruptly withdrawal symptoms may include: insomnia, dysphoria (restless, anxious, and fidgety) and depression.


DXM overdose symptoms

  • Incoordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Impaired vision
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Numbness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Coma
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

 

According to the DAWN report which is the Drug Abuse Warning Network in 2004 there were around 16,858 emergency room visits involving Dextromethorphan (DXM).



Websites Used
United States Department of Justice Dextromethorphan
Medline-Plus Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan Reference Gallery

Dextromethorphan Discussion

  1. Addict Anthony Baker February 1st, 2011

    4 who ever sees this don't do dxm trust me it fucks your head up i think i have brain damage from it

  2. Addict Rich October 3rd, 2012

    In high school I started using coricidin and drank robitussin when I couldn't find any pills. I used it at school every day, sometimes dosing in the middle because a buildup in tolerance. I continued to use because I knew what to expect and it kept me high for so long, it didn't cost money because I would steal it. It's taken me into jails and hospitals. I've overdosed three times and have scars on my eyebrows from where I've lost control and convulsed on cement and tore them open. I've hurt everybody I loved the most in my active addiction and done unspeakable things that haunt me to this day. I'm in the process of self-discovery and still uncovering all kinds of long term effects the drug has had on me, it's a terrifying thing to have to do and unfortunately for those of you who may have gone as far as I have you're going to want to get started on it as soon as possible. For anybody stumbling across this who has only done it a handful, I urge you to stop whether you think it's an "exploratory" phase or not explore a text book explore your family life your passions and dreams, nothing worthwhile is accomplished without trial. If you are hooked and just cannot stop, there are plenty of treatment options and people with the same problem do not be ashamed, do not be afraid to ask for help it is the most courageous and important thing you can do at this point. I personally used a number of tools, A.A, in patient rehab, and I'm now in a transitional house and active in both the church of Christ and A.A.(alcoholics anonymous). Just nine months ago I was scrounging change to buy cheap beer to keep a buzz going after my 40 robitussin gel caps wore off living in an apartment I wasn't paying for and eating donated food. After I decided to start the recovery process and give it everything I could life began to change as I'm sure it will for you too. I've been giving a second chance and an opportunity to experience a purposeful life. The recovery process is by no means easy bu

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