DETOX FROM DXM COUGH SYRUP
You have probably had DXM in your home your entire life. DXM, or dextromethorphan, serves as the primary active ingredient in many of the most popular over-the-counter cough syrups, such as Robitussin, Dimetapp, Delsym, Coricidin and Theraflu. Cough syrups have used DXM, originally formulated in the late 1950’s, to treat cough symptoms ever since, frequently combining it with additional medications.
Its ready accessibility makes it particularly susceptible to abuse. Use of the drug over-dosage, despite its over-the-counter designation, poses life-threatening health risks. Those risks increase when cough syrups combine DXM with other active ingredients or when you combine the drug with other drugs, such as opioids, stimulants or alcohol.
Individuals abuse DXM because it creates several highs including a feeling of euphoria or intoxication, sedation and detachment or dissociation from one’s body and surroundings. These sensations often appeal to those currently suffering from extreme stress or trauma, or who have in the past. Users will seek to repeat these sensations as a relief from that pain, and the drug’s availability makes that possible. Higher dosages of DXM though, while increasing the intensity of these effects, also increase the severity of the risks.
SIGNS OF DXM AND COUGH SYRUP ABUSE AND DEPENDENCY
While people do not typically develop a physical dependency on DXM like some other substances, it can be psychologically addictive. Signs of addiction might include:
- Changes in appearance, behavior or friend circles
- Lying and stealing money or objects to sell
- Spending more time alone or away from home
- Anger, hostility or depression
- Difficulty focusing or carrying on a conversation
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF DXM ABUSE
Using DXM above dosage in the short term can produce several pleasurable effects. However, higher dosages and longer use rapidly increase its threats to your health.
Effects of DXM in the short-term include:
- feeling of intoxication
- euphoria
- sedation
- detachment and dissociation
- hallucinations
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF DXM ABUSE AND ADDICTION
DXM abuse and addiction leads to a wide range of debilitating and life-threatening symptoms. The severity of these symptoms will increase, and additional symptoms will appear when users combine DXM with other drugs.
Symptoms of DXM abuse and addiction include:
- attention deficits
- memory problems
- irritability
- mood swings
- delusions
- liver damage
- tolerance and cravings
SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL FROM DXM
Withdrawal from DXM — despite being an over-the-counter drug — shares many of the same symptoms and difficulty level as withdrawal from prescription and illegal drugs. Only a medically supervised detox can ensure your body safely passes the drug.
DXM WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- restlessness
- fatigue
- insomnia
- difficulty concentrating
- diarrhea
- body aches
- hypersensitivity to the environment
- powerful urges to use
WHY YOU NEED A SUPERVISED DXM DETOX
If you believe you have an abuse or addiction problem, regardless of the substance, medical supervision can help ensure your safety and comfort as you break your body’s chemical reliance on the drug. The prevalence of DXM does not make detox from it any more safe or manageable. Facing the symptoms of withdrawal from DXM without medical assistance usually guarantees you will experience a more difficult as well as a more dangerous transition period with a higher likelihood of failure.
A relapse becomes much more likely when the detox symptoms you experience quickly exceed what you can handle. A failed detox will extend your recovery and further damage your health as you may increase your dosage to compensate. A medically supervised detox can help you avoid these dangers and recover more quickly and safely and with less risk of relapse. A detox assisted by medical professionals specializing in substance abuse, and which also provides compassionate care, can provide you with an even greater peace of mind.
WHY SERENITY OAKS WELLNESS CENTER’S INTEGRATED APPROACH WORKS
A lasting sobriety requires several key components. First, you must pass the substances and allow your natural body chemistry to reestablish itself. Your detox cannot progress without this crucial step. This step alone, however, will not ensure you stay drug-free. To achieve that goal, you must treat your behaviors as well — the second key component. Learning alternative ways to achieve emotional balance, manage stress and find enjoyment will mean you can successfully navigate past triggers and make increasingly better choices. Like all processes, success requires practice. You will not want to test these new skills alone. You will want to practice these techniques surrounded by caring and compassionate people who can support you while you increase your strength and build your confidence.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center has designed its detox programs around these three crucial aspects of achieving and sustaining sobriety. Our medical professionals understand the specific challenges your body will face as you stop using and know how to maximize your comfort during this time. Our counselors can help you understand the reasons for your use, disable your patterns of prior abuse and teach you how to respond to challenging situations in the future. Perhaps, most crucially, our care-taking staff can provide compassion and companionship when you need it most. You will not take this difficult journey alone. We will take it with you. Providing medical care, betterment tools and a safe environment to regain your footing, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center has helped thousands beat abuse and addiction and return to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Your addiction did not happen overnight. Likewise, your recovery will take time to achieve. It will take longer — if you succeed — going it alone. Let Serenity Oaks Wellness Center provide you with the supervision, resources and support that will give you the best chance of getting your life back. Call us today at 844-828-1050 to discuss your personalized detox plan. You deserve a second chance, and we want to stand behind you.