DXM Abuse in Teenagers

Parents are often selective when it comes to the crowd that their teenager hangs out with. Parents are typically selective when it comes to the places those teenagers frequent. Many parents even impose strict guidelines on the times that their teenagers are away from the home. There are many reasons that parents are selective. One of the main reasons that parents are selective in this manner is the fear that their children may become exposed to peer pressure. When a teenager is exposed to peer pressure, the possibility opens that they may experiment with various types of drugs and even alcohol.

While it is completely acceptable for parents to be cautious when it comes to the activities and people that their teenagers are involved with, it is important that parents do not think they are to let their guard down. Teenagers are still experimenting with popular drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine, but there is a new drug in town that is quickly gaining in popularity among teenagers. The new drug that teenagers are experimenting with may be in your medicine cabinet.

The new drug of choice among teenagers is dextromethorphan. The abuse of this drug is referred to as "DXM Abuse". This particular drug is in many common cold medications that are found around the home. Normally, this particular drug is safe. As long as a person follows the direction on the medicine bottle when taking this particular drug, there are usually no dangerous side effects. However, if the medication is taken in very large amounts, it can be extremely harmful.

Teenagers have started taking large amounts of DXM in order to achieve a state of being "high". When a teenager takes an excessive amount of DXM in order to get high, they may experience a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

1) Hallucinations that include both audible and visual effects

2) The control of motor functioning becomes difficult

3) The person may feel as if they are out of the body, or beside themselves

4) Coordination may be affected

5) A person may experience dizziness

6) The vision may be affected in many ways

7) A person may experience a high heart rate

8) A person may become disoriented

9) If enough is taken, a person may become sick

The ingredient of DXM can be found in many popular over the counter medications. Some of these popular cold medicines include generic cold medicines, Dayquil, Nyquil, Robitussen, Tylenol Cold, and many others. When people refer to the ingredient of DXM, there are numerous slang terms that are used. The terms used to describe this drug are Dex, Robo, Tussin, and Skittles. If a person is referring to their experience using the drug DXM, you may hear terms like "skittling", "rainbow sliding", and other similar expressions being used.

Research has found that many teenagers choose to abuse cold medicines because they are inexpensive and easy to obtain. In addition to this, if a drug test is performed, this particular drug is not one that is normally screened. Out of ten teenagers, it is estimated that at least three of those teenagers will experiment with cough and cold medicine abuse. DXM abuse occurs in a variety of teenagers. The teenagers that have been found to abuse cough medicines come from a variety of backgrounds, and perform at different academic ranges.

It is very important that you educate yourself on this new form of drug abuse. You should take the time to talk to your teenager about the dangers of these types of drug abuse. Additionally, you should make sure that you keep all of your medications locked away in a safe place. You should never confide in your teen where you keep the key to the medications. DXM abuse is quickly rising in popularity. However, injury and death are quickly on the rise in teenagers as a result of DXM abuse. Make a difference and stop the addiction before it starts.