Study: Teens use cough medicine to hallucinate

By Staff Writer

Some teens are abusing cough medicine in order to get high, a recent survey reveals.

InjuryBoard.com reports that a survey found that 8 percent of teens have abused cough suppressant medications that contain dextromethorphan, also known as Dex. When the use of Dex is excessive, individuals may experience hallucinations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that the number of hospital visits related to an overuse of Dex increased by 70 percent between 2004 and 2008.

Some teenagers have abused medications such as Robitussin, Nyquil and Tylenol Cold and, in some cases, mixed it with alcohol or other drugs to get high. The practice of purposely imbibing too much Dex to hallucinate is also known as "Robotripping."

According to The Chicago Tribune, Consumer Reports said that Dex is found in more than 120 over-the-counter drugs. The DEA said that recreational use of these products can lead to vomiting, increased heart rate or extreme muscle spasms.

A report by ABC News said that parents should be aware of their teens' attempts to get a cheap high off easily accessible items such as cough syrup, computer keyboard cleaners and incense made from herbs and spices.