As soon as addiction experts get a handle on treating the latest drug craze, a new one pops up and there’s a mad scramble to address this latest issue. Teens are particularly susceptible to experimentation with legal or illegal substances in search of a quick and cheap high.
Robo Tripping
One of the latest dangerous teen drug trends is called “robo tripping,” which gets its name from the over-the-counter cold medication Robitussin, a cough suppressant that teens and pre-teens have discovered can provide a high when ingested in large doses.
The fact that it’s so easy to get and is found in most home medicine cabinets makes it particularly hard to combat. In addition to how easy it is to get, it’s also hard to make to the case to kids that it’s dangerous. Because it’s sold in drugstores without a prescription and is given readily to kids who are suffering from a common cold, it’s perceived as completely safe – even when taken in much larger doses, for much longer than directed, without any cold symptoms.
Anti-drug campaigns are still frequently aimed at illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine or marijuana, but more and more often it’s prescription and over-the-counter medications that are being abused by the younger generation. Painkillers “borrowed” from parents, cold meds like Robitussin and ADD or ADHD meds are all very popular among adventurous teens who don’t give any thought to the long-term effects.
Dangers of Robo Tripping
Overdose is a very real possibility, though, with these readily available medications. Robo-tripping can cause disturbances in heart rhythym, blood pressure swings and impair motor function. It’s even more dangerous when meds containing dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in many cough suppressants) are combined with other stimulants including caffeinated beverages, energy drinks, even prescription drugs to treat ADHD.
More than 3 million people age 12 to 25 have used cough medications to get high, according to a 2006 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey. This concerns experts on many levels, particularly because they know that kids who are willing to abuse one drug are more likely to experiment with other drugs as well.
Teen Drug Rehab
If you or someone you love is in need of teen drug rehab, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
