You may have heard of “robotripping,” which refers to feelings resulting from misusing dextromethorphan (DXM). But what is robotripping, and what are the consequences of it? At BlueCrest Recovery, we offer substance abuse treatment and answers to questions like these. Contact our team online or call 888.292.9652 today to learn more about our programs in New Jersey.
What Is Robotripping?
“Robotripping” is a slang term for getting high on a substance called dextromethorphan. DXM is an ingredient in many types of cough medicine, and it’s safe when used as directed. However, when taken in large doses, it can lead to effects similar to those that ecstasy causes.
DXM is a dissociative anesthetic. Even those who take directed doses can experience a mild feeling of well-being. Some of the effects it can have when abused include:
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Violent behavior
- Dissociation
- Delusions
- Vivid nightmares
- Cognitive issues
The more of the drug you take, the worse the symptoms of robotripping will be. If you take too much DXM, you can experience toxic psychosis, which leads to losing touch with reality, having trouble communicating with others, and experiencing severe confusion.
Robotripping usually lasts between two and six hours, but the effects of DXM can last much longer if you take it with other substances. Anyone can develop an addiction to DXM, but it usually occurs in teens and young adults.
Those who are more at risk of developing an addiction to DXM or other substances are people who have a history of family addiction, have experienced trauma, have easy access to drugs, or have a co-occurring mental health condition.
About Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Like other drugs, DXM affects the reward center of your brain. This means that taking DXM releases dopamine into your system, alerting the brain that taking that drug is a pleasurable experience. Humans are wired to want to repeat experiences that cause pleasure, so your brain will urge you to use DXM again.
The treatment of DXM addiction requires understanding that substance use disorders are diseases like any other. The structural changes that the drugs make in your brain lead you to no longer be able to exert self-control.
At our center, we offer programs that help address the underlying causes of addiction. We provide outpatient services because we know not everyone can take time off for treatment. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a high level of care that provides hours of therapy each week. You can turn to our intensive outpatient program or our standard outpatient programs for fewer treatment hours.
Each one of our options provides individual and group therapy sessions to help you understand what your triggers are and what challenges you’ll face in your path to sobriety. Group therapy offers the added benefit of letting you speak with others who are also going through similar challenges.
Addiction affects everyone around you, so we also offer family therapy. These sessions can help you learn how to trust one another again while also finding better ways of communicating. We also provide aftercare services to help keep you on the right path even after you leave treatment. We encourage all our clients to join 12-step programs, which can offer much-needed support and guidance for individuals attempting to maintain a sober lifestyle.
Enroll in Substance Abuse Treatment at BlueCrest Recovery
When you turn to our caring and compassionate team at BlueCrest Recovery, you are getting the chance to understand what addiction is and why you’re struggling with it. With our help, you can begin the process of healing. Contact BlueCrest Recovery online or call 888.292.9652 today to learn more about robotripping.
