Your medicine cabinet may cause the death of a loved one in your home due to cough syrup abuse. It may surprise parents and caretakers to know that medicine cabinets filled with seemingly harmless OTC (over the counter) cough syrups, can be life-threatening. A substance use treatment center in Portland Oregon can help with cough syrup abuse.
The main culprit in these products is dextromethorphan (DXM), an expectorant that clears up wet or mucous coughs when you take the recommended dose. If taken in large doses, it causes hallucinogenic effects similar to PCP and Ketamine.
What Happens When You Take Too Much Cough Syrup?
If you mildly increase the recommended dose of cough syrup with DXM, then you will experience a buzz like alcohol. As you increase the dose, you may get symptoms like difficulty urinating, dissociation of body and mind, hallucinations, and a heightened sense of perceptual awareness. These symptoms may last up to 72 hours. After long-term cough syrup abuse, one may experience effects such as insomnia, memory and concentration difficulties, liver damage, coma, and even death.
Lean and Purple drank
Some prescription cough syrup drug contains promethazine and codeine, this is mixed with Sprite, Fanta Grape or Mountain Dew with a hard fruit candy like a Jolly Rancher added for extra sweetness and called Purple Drank.
This causes mild euphoria, dissociation, and difficulties with motor coordination. Be alert, aware, and listen to your kid’s conversation for clues. If you hear “lean on the syrup” or “robotripping”. a red flag must appear in your mind. It is said that this started in the 1960s when blues artists took Robitussin and cut it with beer.
Later in the 80s and 90s, they changed the formula to cough syrup with codeine or promethazine. Other street names for DXM are Purple Drank, Tussin, Robo, Velvet, Skittles, Triple C, Lean.
The Red Flags of Cough Syrup Abuse
re you noticing changes in the behavior of someone in your household, regardless of their age? While it’s understandable that everyone goes through challenging times, if you’re observing certain signs that don’t align with typical behavior, it’s important to take notice. Whether it’s increased secrecy, changes in mood, or unusual patterns of behavior around medication, these could be indicators of substance abuse. If you find yourself answering “yes” to these questions, it’s crucial to seek support and explore further.
- Do you find empty cough syrup bottles, tablets, and gel capsules packs of these products: Coricidin Cough and Cold Tablets, Dimetapp DM, Robitussin cough products, Triaminic cough syrups, Tylenol Cold products, Vicks NyQuil LiquiCaps, Mucinex?
- Has academic performance dropped?
- Are they skipping obligations such as work or school?
- Does your loved one forget their responsibilities?
In addition to:
- Have you noticed sudden weight loss?
- Have you caught your loved one lying, stealing or shoplifting?
- Has their routine changed?
- Have their hygiene habits changed?
How to Tell if Someone is Abusing Cough Syrup
If you answered yes to the previous questions, then this can be a strategy, firstly gather your evidence like the empty cough syrup bottles from the individual’s room. Do not rush into their room and rant and rave, they will become defensive and you’ll lose the opportunity.
Choose your time wisely. Find a time when you are both relaxed and have the time to talk. Also, ensure that your loved one is sober when you have the talk. Listen to them but know that of their manipulations.
Cough Syrup Addiction Treatment in Portland
Cough syrup addiction treatment requires a comprehensive approach despite how inconsequential medicine abuse may seem. It is important to address the underlying cause of their cough syrup use, as well as the physical and psychological effects of addiction. Treatment may involve individual or group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, educational programs, and community-based support services.
Medication is an important part of cough syrup addiction treatment. Medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of the drug on the brain. Some medications may also help your teen to cope with anxiety and depression, which are often linked to substance use.
Individual or group therapy can help process thoughts and feelings related to addiction and provide a safe space for an individual to explore any underlying issues that may be contributing to their cough syrup use. A therapist or counselor can also offer guidance and support in helping develop the skills they need to cope without using drugs.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of cough syrup addiction treatment. This includes quitting any other substance use, changing their social circle, and avoiding triggers like certain people or places that remind them of using drugs. It also requires eating healthy and getting regular exercise, as well as focusing on their education or career goals.
Educational programs can help individuals and their family learn more about addiction and relapse prevention strategies. This type of program will also provide support for them to develop the life skills they need to be successful in recovery.
Get the Help Your Teen Needs Today
Remember, this can be scary for you and your loved one, with many unknowns. Get support for cough syrup abuse by calling Crestview Recovery today at 866.262.0531 or contacting us via online form.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
