Why Robotripping and Cough Syrup Abuse Demand Attention

Most readily available over-the-counter cough medications feature DMX as their active ingredient. These medicines also typically include acetaminophen as a pain relieving agent. Though the manufacturers of these products warn against using them in a manner contrary to their intended applications, cough and cold treatments have rapidly become a favored recreational drug among teenagers across the country. "Robotripping," as it is called, has gained an alarming popularity among this most vulnerable demographic group.

The ease with which cough medications can be obtained is what makes this trend especially hazardous. It is not uncommon for teens engaged in the abuse of these medications to consume somewhere between 25-50 times the dosage recommended on the product label. They combine this type of excessive dose with alcohol or other sorts of mind-altering agents to formulate a very potent drug. Because there is little risk and few hurdles involved in purchasing cough medicine, this particular brand of drug abuse often serves as a pathway to more serious substance abuse issues down the road.

Sadly, far too many parents are unaware of the real threats to their teenagers posed by alcohol and drug abuse and miss the warning signs along the way. There are many parents who simply prefer to sweep the issue under the rug and hope it goes away as the kids grow older. Unfortunately, indifference or denial on the part of parents often results in a dangerous escalation of the underlying problem.

Estimates suggest that ten percent of all American teenagers have had a robotripping experience. Unfortunately, kids are often under the false impression that because cough medicine is an everyday household product that is easily obtainable, they are not doing anything particularly dangerous by using it. However, tussin (also known by the name DMX) can be extremely addictive when used to excess. Furthermore, it can prove deadly when combined with pills, alcohol or other drugs.

Ingesting large quantities of DMX can produce hallucinogenic episodes akin to those that result from the use of ecstasy and LSD. Some of the more frightening potential effects of DMX abuse include brain bleeds, seizures, irregular heartbeat and death.

It is essential that teenagers are made aware of the true danger posed by robotripping. A thorough understanding of the risks involved may be enough to dissuade a large number of kids from participating in this highly damaging pastime. Teenagers need to realize that they are not simply dabbling with a harmless household product. They are putting their health and safety in dire jeopardy.