Robotripping is the dangerous misuse of cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to achieve a high. Many teens turn to over-the-counter medications often found in home medicine cabinets, without realizing the serious psychological and physical side effects.

Ingesting high doses of DXM can lead to hallucinations, dissociation, nausea, and even life-threatening risks. Understanding the dangers of robotripping is crucial for parents looking to protect their teens from substance abuse. Keep reading to learn more about this growing concern and how to help your teenager get the support they need.

Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance abuse challenges? We’re here to help. Call us at Beachside today or visit our admissions page to learn more about our personalized programs and start your teen’s journey toward healing.

What Is Robotripping?

The term robotripping refers to teens abusing products that contain dextromethorphan (DXM). This misuse can be correlated with visual and auditory hallucinations as well as a sense of euphoria. DXM is considered to be an opioid substance. However, it can be found in common cough and cold medications that are sold over the counter, like Robitussin, Vicks DayQuil Cough, and Zicam Cough. 

These medications are easily accessible to most teenagers. In fact, there are over 120 medications containing DXM on the market. Most of these substances can be purchased over the counter—though some states may require buyers to be 18. These medications can come in the form of a liquid, lozenge, or an extended-release tablet. 

What Exactly Happens During Robotripping?

In most instances, teenagers who robotrip experience hallucinations, sweating, feelings of euphoria, and dizziness. Those who are high on DXM have also been described as ‘zombie-like.’ The exact effects of robotripping depend on the amount of medication an individual has consumed. DXM intoxication can be viewed in different stages, also known as DXM plateaus. These stages are as follows: 

• First plateau (100-200mg): Teens may feel much more energetic and become more engaging. These effects can be compared to ecstasy.

• Second plateau (200-400 mg): Commonly compared to being drunk, this stage involves a decrease in motor skills and overall cognitive function. Additionally, euphoria and hallucinations are typical during the second plateau. 

• Third plateau (400-600 mg): Individuals may experience dissociation. This involves increased hallucinations, very poor motor control, and feeling overall disconnected from reality. Users have noted that the effects of this stage are similar to that of ketamine. 

• Fourth plateau (500mg<): The most intense stage, teens may experience delirium, lessened pain perception, feeling like they are in a trance, and hallucinations. This stage can lead to aggressive outbursts in some cases and has been compared to taking PCP. 

Because DXM overdose can cause dangerous disorientation and aggression, recognizing early warning signs of teen addiction is critical. Learn more about the harsh truths and warning signs of addiction in teens to protect your child before it escalates.

What Amount of DXM Is Considered Safe?

Of course, these medications can be safe when used responsibly. The correct dosages for the different forms of medications containing DXM are as follows for individuals over 12: 

• Liquid (Syrup): 120 milligrams every 24 hours.
• Lozenges: 180 milligrams every 24 hours. 
• Extended Release Oral Suspension: 120 milligrams every 24 hours.

How Are Teenagers Getting DXM?

Accessing cough medicines containing DXM is sadly easy. Products like Robitussin and Coricidin are frequently purchased and misused without notice. Furthermore, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has noted that the widespread abuse of DXM is not only due to its ready availability but also to abundant online resources detailing how to abuse it. 

Additionally, it has been highlighted that DXM misuse is accompanied by an evolving set of street names, such as CCC, robo, poor man’s PCP, and ‘skittles’—with ‘skittling’ becoming another name for robotripping. Social media plays a clear role in helping teens stay up to date with new slang and methods for acquiring and abusing cough medicines, as the language surrounding it is in constant flux. In fact, popular websites and apps often feature forums that allow teens to share tips and experiences related to the misuse of DXM products.

Teen addiction red flags are often subtle at first. Recognizing the early behavioral changes that indicate substance abuse can help parents take action sooner. Learn more about the top red flags of teen addiction to better support your child.

Is Your Teen Abusing DXM?

It is important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of robotripping so that you can identify them in your loved one and get them the help they deserve. Common indicators that your teenager may be misusing medications containing DXM include: 

• Slurred speech
• Poor motor control
• Dizziness
• Stealing money or medications
• Hallucinations
• Finding cough medication in their rooms
• Decline in schoolwork
• Increased mood swings
• Overall sneaky behavior
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Difficulties at home
• Sudden apathy
• Inability to maintain relationships

Additionally, parents should keep an eye out to see if they are running out of cough medicine at an unusual rate.

How to Help a Teenager Who’s Robotripping

If your child is struggling with substance abuse, such as robotripping, professional help is the most effective way to get them on the road to recovery. While in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), they can identify and address the underlying factors that have led them to seek a state of intoxication. They can also learn ways to cope with stress and triggers in a healthy, constructive way. While in treatment, they may participate in individual therapy, peer support settings, and family counseling. Furthermore, experiential therapies and holistic healing strategies can help them learn how to find peace and fulfillment without using drugs. 

There are several treatment programs that can allow your teenager to maintain school and social obligations while getting help. These include outpatient programs, therapeutic boarding schools, or inpatient programs that integrate coursework into treatment. 

Additionally, it’s important to remember that open communication and empathetic listening are key to building a strong foundation for helping your teen navigate substance misuse. The road to recovery is challenging, but early intervention and support make a significant difference in your teen’s ability to heal. If you’re unsure where to start, explore resources on how to support a teen in addiction recovery for guidance.

Find Professional Treatment Today

We understand that you want your child to have the best quality of life possible, and at Beachside Teen, we are dedicated to providing the support, structure, and care they need to thrive. Our comprehensive therapeutic programs are specifically designed to address the unique challenges that teenagers face, from substance use issues to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related struggles.

With a compassionate, experienced team of mental health professionals, we take a personalized approach to ensure each teen receives the right level of care in a safe, supportive environment. Our evidence-based and holistic therapies promote emotional growth, resilience, and long-term healing, empowering teens to develop healthy coping skills and positive habits for life.

Together, we can help your teen reach their fullest potential. To learn more about how Beachside Teen can make a difference or to begin the admissions process, give us a call or visit our Admissions Page today.