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Dramamine Abuse, Addiction, Detox and Rehab

Dramamine Addiction Header

While many people think that only street drugs or prescription medications can lead to substance abuse, over-the-counter (OTC) substances can also cause addiction. Dramamine, a popular OTC motion sickness medication, can be abused and lead many people into the vicious cycle of addiction. Often, breaking the cycle of addiction requires the help of a Dramamine addiction treatment program.

If you or a loved one struggle with Dramamine abuse, there is no better time to start the recovery journey than now. Call us at 888.450.2153 today to get started.

What is Dramamine?

What is Dramamine?

Since Dramamine controls symptoms in the middle ear, some doctors also recommend the medication to treat ear congestion and opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Many pharmacies and grocery stores keep Damamine in stock, making it easy to find and purchase. Experts recommend taking Dramamine on a short-term basis to help control symptoms as needed to avoid dependence on the medication.

People who abuse Dramamine may refer to it by different street names, including:

  • Dime
  • Drama
  • D-House
  • Drams
  • Dime Tabs
  • D-Q

Dramamine is a low-risk drug when taken as directed. However, people who abuse the drug may experience a euphoric high or even hallucinate.

What Is Dramamine Abuse?

OTC Medication Statistics in the United States

When drugs or substances are taken outside of their intended use or against the prescribed directions, it is considered substance abuse. Substance abuse is the first part of the addiction cycle and sets the stage for addiction.

OTC drugs and supplements, including Dramamine, can have serious consequences when abused. Just because it is available from the grocery stores does not mean it is safe to ignore the package directions.

After a person begins abusing Dramamine to get high or hallucinate, they are more likely to gain a higher tolerance for the drug, which can cause them to seek increasingly high doses. As a person's tolerance goes up, they are more likely to become dependent on the drug and have become thoroughly addicted to the substance.

Many people who become addicted to Dramamine to get high end up feeling trapped by their substance abuse, making it hard to break their addiction. Quitting the medication after becoming addicted leads to severe withdrawal symptoms, often forcing them to retake the medicine to get rid of the withdrawal.

Bellingham, WA Treatment Options for Addiction and Alcoholism

The Side Effects of Dimenhydrinate

The Side Effects of Dimenhydrinate

After abusing Dramamine, many people will experience severe side effects from the drug itself. Even though they may feel bad, a person abusing Dramamine may continue to take the substance since they are dependent on it.

Some side effects of Dramamine abuse include:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Sleepiness
  • Blurry vision
  • Constipation
  • Chest pain
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Agitation
  • A fast or irregular heart rate
  • Heart problems
  • Stroke
  • Kidney damage
  • Stomach ulcers and bleeding

Severe side effects, especially those related to the heart, brain, and stomach, should immediately receive medical attention. Dramamine also carries the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which is a medical emergency.

Any serious side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction need to be reported to a doctor right away. They should not be ignored, and the medication should be immediately discontinued.

Additionally, in children, Dramamine use may cause them to become energized instead of drowsy.

In elderly users, the drowsiness they experience may make them more prone to slips and falls. This puts them at an increased risk for bone breaks and fractures.

The Dramamine High

The Dramamine High

When someone takes a large dose of Dramamine to get high, they are often chasing feelings of euphoria. Sometimes, the Dramamine high includes hallucinations. Hallucinations often appear as perceived voices or images that are not real but can be terrifying to the person experiencing them.

They may also feel very physically heavy, as if they cannot move their limbs as freely as usual. Coming down from a Dramamine high can also seriously impact a person's memory, causing them to not recall anything during their high.

As the cycle of Dramamine abuse continues, people may become more dependent on the drug to chase feelings of happiness and euphoria. When they become dependent, the addiction cycle is in full swing.

Dramamine Addiction

People often do not realize they are addicted to Dramamine by the time they are. They may continue thinking that taking the drug is their choice and can stop any time they want.

Some common signs of addiction include:

  • Using the drug more frequently in higher doses.
  • Craving the drug.
  • Neglecting work or school to get high.
  • Struggling to maintain their relationships.
  • Making poor financial decisions to get more of the drug.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

The withdrawal symptoms of a Dramamine addiction are uncomfortable and can be scary. Many people might desire to quit but do not because they cannot manage the withdrawal symptoms. An inability to stop regularly taking the drug is a sure sign of addiction, and it's time to get help.

Dramamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Does Quitting Dramamine Result in Withdrawal Symptoms?

One of the most common symptoms of Dramamine withdrawal is depression. Increased Dramamine use often makes the body stop producing chemicals that help it feel happy naturally. When someone tries to stop taking the drug, their body will struggle to feel happy. Other symptoms of Dramamine withdrawal include:

  1. An upset stomach
  2. Nausea and vomiting
  3. Symptoms of depression
  4. Increased anxiety
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Weight loss
  7. Physical weakness
  8. Shakiness
  9. Intense cravings for the drug

Managing these withdrawal symptoms can seem impossible and can even be physically dangerous to do alone. Professional detox and rehabilitation programs help manage withdrawal symptoms and begin the journey to recovery.

Dramamine Detox

Detoxing from any substance can be uncomfortable and intimidating. The withdrawal stage is often described as the most unpleasant stage of the addiction cycle.

Not only is detoxing uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Severe mental and physical symptoms make it easy to relapse or even be fatal. The first few days after taking the last dose of Dramamine are usually the worst before symptoms start to ease.

Seeking professional treatment can be one of the most critical decisions for someone struggling with substance abuse. They will receive medical supervision to manage their withdrawal symptoms to stay healthy before transitioning to a rehab program. An inpatient or outpatient rehab program will help them develop their skills to stay sober.

Dramamine Addiction Treatment Programs at Northpoint Washington

We offer both drug detox and rehab under the same roof. Our patients get everything they need all in one place. It also provides a quick and easy transition between the two types of treatment with no breaks

When patients come to our center in Washington, they receive treatment as individuals with their own needs during recovery. Each person gets a treatment plan that carefully outlines their recovery needs.

If you or a loved one is ready to begin the recovery journey, call us today at888.450.2153 to get started.