How to Help a Dextromethorphan Addict
“DXM abuse is becoming especially prevalent among teens seeking a cheap high from a substance that is easy to access.”
DXM is often abused for the euphoric effects that it can elicit when taken in larger-than-recommended doses. Because dextromethorphan is found in cough syrup and other cold and cough medicine formulations, it can frequently be found on the shelves of neighborhood convenience stores and drugstores. As a result of this wide availability, DXM can be obtained by anyone – heightening its potential for abuse and addiction. Like other abused substances, recovery from any type or level of abuse or addiction is possible.
Help for Addicts
Addiction to dextromethorphan has been a problem since the early 1950’s, but health officials are still learning to acknowledge and understand how to address and treat DXM addiction. As an over-the-counter preparation, some might be quick to dismiss the likelihood of a serious drug dependency forming, but the problem exists.
Finding the Right Treatment Provider
Over the years, especially in the past decade, there are more comprehensive treatments available for this particular addiction, but it helps for the addict and those trying to help them to be aware that some health professionals out there may be oblivious to the challenge an abuser faces.
Ideally, the addiction recovery program you choose will have a background in helping DXM abusers.
Is Dextromethorphan Addictive?
When taken in doses above those intended, dextromethorphan can:
- Produce drunk feelings/euphoria.
- Cause the user to hallucinate.
- Result in an out-of-body feeling.
The effects of dextromethorphan above can range from mild to extreme, with the dissociative, out-of-body feeling similar to that of PCP or Ketamine (“Special K”) when the dose is high enough. Those seeking the kind of high that DXM produces may take it large amounts and over time may over time become addicted to the substance.
Further, when someone mixes DXM with other drugs like alcohol, that person increases the likelihood of developing an addiction.
What are the Signs of Addiction?
Abusers of dextromethorphan show a variety of recognizable signs and symptoms that make it easy to decipher whether they have a serious problem or not. Here are some signs that DXM abusers commonly exhibit, as well as symptoms they may experience:
- Appearance of being drunk.
- Hallucinations.
- Lack of coordination.
- Decreasing ability to focus.
- Shifting moods.
- Deterioration of personal connections with friends, family, and others.
- Secretive behavior.
- Lack of care for personal appearance.
- Change in habits.
- Frequent lying to friends and family.
Addiction Treatment
Recovery for dextromethorphan abuse can come in a variety of forms. You may wish to look into one or more of the following:
- Supervised detox. This can help you get clean while having your withdrawal symptoms managed by a qualified professional.
- Inpatient rehabilitation facility. In an inpatient or residential treatment center, you’ll get 24-hour care and support while you work through the addiction and the causes.
- Outpatient care and guidance. This option lets you get guidance and support while living at home.
Other resources, such as:
- 12-step programs.
- Sponsors.
- Sober living facilities.
Call Our Hotline Today
If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you are not alone. Get started on your recovery right now with our free rehab locator tool, where you can find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and much more.