Dextromethorphan (DXM) cough medicine abuse and addiction are both serious problems in the United States. Many people do not realize this, and they often do not know that detox and rehab may be needed to help them stop. Even though the drug is widely available for use, there are consequences for abusing it, and it can be addictive. A DXM cough medicine addiction treatment program can provide the support needed to begin long-term recovery.
At Northpoint Washington, we offer substance abuse treatment programs in Washington state for people living with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Through evidence-based and holistic treatment methods, our team guides our patients along the stepping stones of early recovery through inpatient detox, residential treatment, and aftercare support. Learn more about our DXM cough medicine addiction treatment program by calling 425.437.3298 today.
What Is DXM?
Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter cough medicine found in many products, such as Robitussin and Coricidin. DXM is a central nervous system depressant, so it can produce effects similar to alcohol or other drugs, including relaxation and sedation. When abused in high doses, DXM can produce hallucinogenic effects. This is why the drug has become a popular choice for recreational use.
Side Effects of DXM
It’s important to know what the side effects of this over-the-counter medication are. While you may not experience these when taking it normally, DXM abuse is more likely to trigger dangerous side effects.
Short-Term Side Effects
The short-term effects of DXM cough medicine include:
- Experiencing temporary memory loss
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Feelings of euphoria
- Symptoms of depression
- Feeling confused
- Bouts of dizziness or vertigo
The longer DXM cough medicine is used, the more severe the side effects are likely to be.
Long-Term Effects
Some of the long-term DXM cough medicine effects include:
- Onset of amnesia
- Feeling dissociated from your body
- Experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations
- Becoming immobilized
- No longer being able to feel pain
As these side effects become more dangerous, it’s important to be aware of the signs of addiction in order to seek help.
Signs of DXM Abuse and Addiction
Knowing the signs of addiction is key for anyone struggling with DXM abuse or addiction. These signs include:
- Using larger doses than intended
- Neglecting responsibilities due to substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when DXM is not used
- Trying and failing to stop using DXM
- Continuing to use DXM despite negative consequences
- Having intense cravings for DXM
- Not able to control or limit the amount of DXM being taken
If you’re struggling with an addiction to a cough medicine containing DXM, it’s important to reach out for help.
DXM Cough Medicine Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person stops using DXM cough medicine, they are likely to go through withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s way of responding when something it has gotten used to gets taken away. Some of the more common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Having trouble sleeping at night
- Experiencing restlessness
- Having symptoms of anxiety
- Having symptoms of depression
- Possible suicidal thoughts because of severe depression
It is not uncommon for people to go back to using after attempting to quit on their own. This is because the symptoms listed above can be so difficult to go through. Repeated and failed quit attempts only contribute to a harmful addiction cycle that can be hard to break.
Our DXM Cough Medicine Addiction Treatment Program in Edmonds, WA
At Northpoint Washington, we offer a 28-day drug treatment program that includes both detox and rehab services. We are located in Edmonds, Washington and we accept many health insurance plans.
Because we offer both detox and rehab services, we are able to comprehensively address our patients’ addictions. First, they go through the detoxification process for about a week or so, depending on their progress. Afterward, they move on to rehab to finish out their 28-day stay.
We are a small inpatient facility, and for that reason, we are able to give our patients the time and attention they need. We know how hard it can be to recover from an addiction to DXM. We have designed our program so that we can provide all the support our patients might need.
Find Help at Northpoint Washington Today
Our goal is to make sure our patients get the services they need to recover from addiction. So many people are addicted to DXM, and they do not realize how harmful it can be to abuse it.
Many people believe that recovery is impossible for them. We want them to know that with the right support, they can be successful. Learn more about our DXM cough medicine addiction treatment program by contacting us at 425.437.3298 today.