Increasing attention has been given to the intentional abuse of cough syrup to achieve “legal” highs. This abuse paints a grim picture of how easy it is to achieve new highs and how American households are not safe from this growing trend. Specifically, the main hallucinogenic in cough syrup is Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM. According to Wikipedia.com, DXM is a dissociative drug similar to PCP (Angel Dust) and other psychedelics.

DXM is known by many names. According to drugfree.com, DXM is also popularly referred to Dex, DXM, Robo, Skittles, Syrup, Triple-C, and Tussin.The act of abusing DXM is commonly referred to as Robo-tripping, or Skittling. Robot-tripping usually involves drinking or in some way ingesting large amounts of DXM laced medicines, such as cough syrups. However, in extreme cases DXM may be used in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol. A common example being “purple drank” a cough syrup and alcohol concoction present in Southern Rap culture.

Specific effects of DXM include depersonalization, euphoria, dissociation, dreamlike mental effects, visual and aural hallucinations, and out of body experiences. However, DXM is a serious substance and should never be abused. DXM consistently causes upset stomach, nausea, and tachycardia, a condition that produces a fast beating heart. Like all drugs it is possible to overdose and become addicted.

What is increasingly frightening is that DXM abuse is not uncommon. According to Drugfree.com, “one out of 10 teens, or over two million teens” have at one point abused DXM. Indeed, the ease at which to find information about Robo-tripping is startling. A simple internet search of Robo-tripping will give thousands of results, making DXM a gateway drug to harder, more lethal substances.

Additionally, unlike most drugs, DXM does not require secrecy and is extremely easy to acquire. According to erowid.com, there are at least 92 over-the-counter drugs that contain DXM, with familiar brands such as Tylenol, Robitussin, Vicks, and Alka-Seltzer. This means that most, if not all, American households are harboring potential hallucinogenic drugs.

DXM by definition is a drug and when used incorrectly could be fatal. The best way to prevent drug overdose is to stop immediately. If you or someone you know is abusing DXM, please seek professional help. Sites such as drugfree.org/teen and phone hotlines such as National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center (1-800-784-6776) specifically cater to substance abuse and are always available for information and help.