Do You Have Questions About DXM/Cough Medicine Rehab? Call Our Addiction Experts Now.
DXM cough medicine abuse is actually more common than people might think. It might seem surprising that people who become addicted to it would need to go to rehab to recover. But the reality is that even though it is sold over the counter, this drug can be highly addictive when it is abused.
DXM cough medicine is readily available for purchase at pharmacies and department stores. This fact makes it easy for young people to obtain it, and they do because it is a cheap way to get high.
Most of the people who abuse this drug do not realize its addictive potential. It can cause a lot of harm when it is misused, and it can lead to an addiction. Fortunately, there are ways for people to get the help they need to stop using. But first, they need to know how dangerous it really is.
Poison Control Reports About Dextromethorphan (DXM)
When DXM cough medicine is used appropriately, it can be very effective. It is also quite safe, which is reassuring. But at higher doses, this drug carries many risks.
According to the National Capital Poison Center, people can experience psychedelic symptoms with high doses. These can include:
- Extreme agitation.
- Hallucinations.
- Panic attacks.
- Mania.
- Slower breathing rates.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Psychosis.
- Seizures.
It is even possible to die from using too much DXM cough medicine. This risk is increased even further because of how this drug is often combined with other drugs or medications. It is not uncommon for people to also use other OTC medications, acetaminophen or alcohol with it. The combination can be toxic.
The Symptoms of DXM Cough Medicine Addiction
Most people who are addicted to DXM cough medicine are unaware of it. Some may be increasing how much they use in an attempt to get it to be more effective. This is called forming a tolerance. But the majority of those who abuse it are doing so for recreational purposes.
There are several signs of addiction to look for, and they include:
- Experiencing hallucinations.
- Having a heightened level of awareness.
- Experiencing changes in time perception.
- Having seizures.
- Using the drug solely for the purpose of getting high.
People who are addicted to DXM tend to think about using the drug all the time. In fact, much of their time, energy and resources are devoted to the drug. They feel as though they need to use it as much as possible. This is a problem that only gets worse over time, unless the person gets professional help to stop.
Recovering From DXM Cough Medicine Addiction
Professional treatment is the best way to recover from an addiction to DXM cough medicine. People with this type of addiction are often worried about going through withdrawal when they stop. While this is a concern, the experts are split as far as what people can expect during recovery.
Some researchers have reported the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Feeling restless.
- Bouts of insomnia.
- Pain or aches in the bones or muscles.
- Cold flashes.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Those withdrawal symptoms can be treated, if they occur. At the very least, the individual should plan on spending time in a quality rehab program. That will give them the tools they need to recover.
$panelname = "Recovering";
panelfirst($panelname, 'one'); ?>
What to Expect at an Idaho Drug Detox and Rehab Program
For someone who is suffering from a DXM cough medicine addiction, professional treatment can offer them relief. They may or may not be recommended for drug detox. This depends entirely on the symptoms they are experiencing, if they are having any. If they do not need to go through the detoxification process, they will immediately begin rehab.
Drug rehab offers hope to people with DXM cough medicine addictions for many reasons. Some may be dealing with the shock of realizing that they have become addicted to a drug. Others will need to address the reasons behind their substance abuse problem, which often means addressing a co-occurring disorder.
Co-occurring disorders are mental health conditions that typically precede addictions. But they can occur after the substance abuse begins as well. Some of the most common ones include:
While most people do not realize it, using DXM cough medicine can help with the symptoms of these conditions. But it tends to only work for a little while. This can lead people to drastically increase how much they use to dangerous amounts, or add additional drugs into the mix.