Millions of people use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat medical conditions or symptoms. While many assume OTC medications are safe, some have the potential for abuse and other complications.
Robotripping is a form of substance abuse. It involves consuming large amounts of cough syrup to get “high” or experience hallucinogenic effects. Robotripping is dangerous and can cause serious, even life-threatening health risks.
This article will explore the dangers of robotripping. You will learn:
- What robotripping is
- The side effects and risks of robotripping
- How to recognize the signs of robotripping
- How to treat cough syrup abuse or addiction
- Where to find comprehensive treatment for substance use disorder (SUD)
If you or someone you love abuses cough syrup, seek treatment as soon as possible. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment and support at Palm City Wellness. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What is Robotripping?
When you have a lingering cough, you might reach for cough syrup to manage your symptoms. Some OTC cough syrups contain a cough suppressant called dextromethorphan (DXM). Cough and cold medicines containing this active ingredient can help to resolve the congestion and irritation that causes coughing.
Medical professionals consider DXM to be safe at the recommended dose. However, some people engage in dextromethorphan abuse by “robotripping.” Robotripping involved consuming large amounts of cough syrup. Large doses of DXM can cause euphoric, hallucinogenic, or dissociative effects.
Some common effects of robotripping include:
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Cognitive impairment
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Dissociation
- Vivid nightmares
- Altered perceptions
- Aggression or violent behaviors
The effects of DXM typically become more severe the more people consume.
Robotripping is most prevalent among teens and young adults. These groups may see robotripping as a harmless way to get high. However, robotripping can be very dangerous.
It is essential to be aware of the risk of DXM abuse. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of robotripping in yourself or a loved one.
The Risks of Cough Syrup Abuse
Some over-the-counter cough syrups contain dextromethorphan (DXM). This ingredient is legal for sale in OTC medications. However, taking large doses of DXM increases the risk of dangerous complications and health risks.
Dangerous DXM side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage or failure
- Loss of motor control
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Impaired judgment
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
Consuming large amounts of cough syrup puts people at risk of a life-threatening overdose. Signs of an overdose of DXM include:
- Respiratory depression (slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing)
- Faster heart rate
- Out-of-body experiences
- Blurry vision
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Coma
- Purple lips or fingernails
- Blood pressure changes
If you or someone else exhibits symptoms of an overdose while robotripping, call 911 immediately.
People who abuse cough syrup may develop signs of addiction, including:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it
- Falling behind at work, school, or home
- Engaging in risky behaviors while robotripping
- Increased isolation
- Cravings
- Needing to use more to get the desired effects
People may struggle to stop using cough syrup after developing symptoms of dependence. Many people need professional treatment programs and ongoing support to stop robotripping safely.
Contact the Palm City Wellness team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Recognizing Robotripping
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies DXM as a “substance of concern.” However, it is not a controlled substance and is sold legally in OTC medications.
Because DXM is present in readily available, OTC medications, many people underestimate the risk of abusing it. However, DXM abuse can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening health problems.
It is important to know the signs of robotripping. Recognizing this dangerous habit may help you seek treatment to overcome it.
Some signs of cough syrup abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Loss of motor control
- Slurred speech
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, or relationships
- Mood swings
- Sneaky behaviors or dishonesty
People may use slang terms for cough syrup, including “Triple C.” You may find empty cough syrup bottles or packets of medications in their spaces. You might also notice that you run out of cough syrup or cold medicines faster than expected.
DXM abuse is a serious problem. Teens and young adults may be attracted to robotripping because it is easy to get cough syrup. However, it is crucial to understand the risks of cough syrup and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Contact the Palm City Wellness team to learn more about our substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs.
Treating Cough Syrup Abuse and Addiction
Substance use disorder treatment programs provide comprehensive care for people living with SUD. Cough syrup addiction treatment may include:
- Assessments
- Medical detox programs
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies
- Individual, group, and family counseling
Find Treatment Now
Comprehensive treatment can help people overcome the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of substance abuse or addiction. Contact the Palm City Wellness specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to make an intake appointment.
References:
- Science Direct: Dextromethorphan: A double-edged drug – Unveiling the pernicious repercussions of Abuse and forensic implications
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Recreational use of dextromethorphan, “Robotripping”-A brief review
- Wiley Online Library: Recreational use of dextromethorphan, “Robotripping”—A brief review