DXM Addiction

DXM, short for dextromethorphan, is an opioid derivative that’s a major ingredient in dozens of over-the-counter medications. While many people who use these medications are simply trying to overcome a cold or a cough, there’s also potential for abuse. It is entirely possible for those who abuse the drug to end up with a DXM addiction. Take a closer look at this addiction, how it develops and how to fight it.

woman sadly looking at ground has dxm addiction

Immediate Effects of DXM Consumption

Individuals may consume DXM in a number of ways. The most popular means of consumption is to mix a cough syrup containing DXM with soda, sipping or drinking it over several hours. You may also find DXM in powder or pill form, and some users snort or even inject the drug. However individuals use it, the immediate effects of DXM can be serious.

DXM is a dissociative anesthetic, which makes is similar to drugs like ketamine or PCP. When people use it, it can cause hallucinations, brief periods of euphoria and an out of body experience. It may also cause users to lose track of time and appreciate music more than normal. All of these symptoms may intensify when users consume DXM along with alcohol, which is very common.

Many of the side effects of DXM can be very unpleasant. Even at normal or common doses, users can expect to experience nausea, itching over the entire body, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and confusion. Symptoms only get worse as people up the dosage.

How Addiction Develops

There are several factors that contribute to the development of a DXM addiction. Individual factors can include genetics, family history and mental health. However, DXM is also highly addictive. Abuse can increase tolerance, which may quickly lead to a physical addiction.

If people use them in the appropriate amounts, over-the-counter medications that contain DXM aren't necessarily addictive. In fact, most people have probably consumed DXM in some form without even realizing it. The problem is when people consume DXM in large amounts or in frequent, recreational doses.

After taking high doses of DXM, some user experience cravings just a few hours later. Giving in to those cravings continues the cycle. Over time, only DXM will be able to deliver pleasure, and that's the basis of a DXM addiction.

Your personal health and history can also determine how susceptible you are to the disease of addiction. Those who struggle with mental health issues and those with family members who struggle with addiction are the most likely to face addiction concerns in the future. Overcoming these issues can be accomplished with treatment for substance use.

Severe Symptoms of an Addiction

The immediate side effects of taking DXM are unpleasant, but the side effects of addiction are far worse. The symptoms of an addiction can include physical and psychological problems, not to mention the disruption of careers and relationships.

An addiction to DXM often leads to a chronically rapid heart rate and liver damage. It can also cause seizures, respiratory problems or even a coma.

Overcoming DXM Addiction

If you want to overcome an addiction to DXM, then opioid addiction rehab programs are the ideal choice. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, you can expect a comprehensive plan that includes a wide range of treatment methods and therapies. By addressing underlying issues and getting to the heart of addiction, patients can look forward to meaningful and lifelong recovery. Some effective treatment methods include:

  • Fitness and yoga therapies
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
  • Experiential therapy

Don't live one more day with the burden of a DXM addiction. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you can fight back against prescription drug addiction once and for all. Call 866-377-4761 to begin the next step of your recovery.

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