Deadly effects of "Robo Tripping" (Parents Beware)

[Deborah Siehl]

I found this information and thought I would pass it along.

Following is the full text of a DEA warning on possible deadly effects of "Robo Tripping"

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Office is issuing a safety warning to parents, schools and local communities regarding a recent escalation in the abuse of dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant in over-the- counter cough and cold medications. Dextromethorphan abuse in the Detroit area has seen a disturbing increase recently with the Northeastern Wayne County area showing above average abuse. Isolated deaths and overdoses have been reported throughout the United States involving teens experimenting with dextromethophan or "DXM" as it is referred to by users.

Dextromethorphan abuse is often referred to as "Robo Tripping" since many teens consume excessive amounts of Robotussin cough medication to obtain the dextromethophan. The user population of DXM is generally teenagers and young adults. Teens typically purchase and consume these large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to reach the desired effects. Effects from over ingestion include slurred speech, hyperexcitability, lethargy, sweating, hypertension and hallucinations.

Unfortunately, in addition to over-the-counter medications, some predatory distributors have sought to sell dextromethophan on the Internet. "Parents need to remember that ruthless and dangerous individuals try to entice our children with risky products on the Internet. We need to continually communicate and inform our kids of the dangers that lurk on something as innocent as the home computer," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.

Departments should disseminate the following information to parents in their communities:

- Monitor their teens behavior for sudden and extreme changes in personality

- Are their teens eating habits changing dramatically, especially if they are less interested in eating?
- Are their kids excessively secretive about their computer use?
- Are their children receiving unusual mail or mail without return addresses?
- Are their children interested in obtaining private mailboxes without the need?

Teens are often under the mistaken impression that abusing substances such as dextromethorphan, inhalants and nitrous oxide as not as dangerous as traditional "street" drugs. This is a fallacy that law enforcement, parents and the media need to work hard to dispel. These myths can in fact be deadly.
For more information on dextromethorphan, go to www.dea.gov.

[Chad Rapier -]

for sharing information on this important problem.

[Angela Virgo -]

Originally posted by Deborah Siehl
I found this information and thought I would pass it along.

Following is the full text of a DEA warning on possible deadly effects of "Robo Tripping"

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Office is issuing a safety warning to parents, schools and local communities regarding a recent escalation in the abuse of dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant in over-the- counter cough and cold medications. Dextromethorphan abuse in the Detroit area has seen a disturbing increase recently with the Northeastern Wayne County area showing above average abuse. Isolated deaths and overdoses have been reported throughout the United States involving teens experimenting with dextromethophan or "DXM" as it is referred to by users.

Dextromethorphan abuse is often referred to as "Robo Tripping" since many teens consume excessive amounts of Robotussin cough medication to obtain the dextromethophan. The user population of DXM is generally teenagers and young adults. Teens typically purchase and consume these large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to reach the desired effects. Effects from over ingestion include slurred speech, hyperexcitability, lethargy, sweating, hypertension and hallucinations.

Unfortunately, in addition to over-the-counter medications, some predatory distributors have sought to sell dextromethophan on the Internet. "Parents need to remember that ruthless and dangerous individuals try to entice our children with risky products on the Internet. We need to continually communicate and inform our kids of the dangers that lurk on something as innocent as the home computer," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.

Departments should disseminate the following information to parents in their communities:

- Monitor their teens behavior for sudden and extreme changes in personality

- Are their teens eating habits changing dramatically, especially if they are less interested in eating?
- Are their kids excessively secretive about their computer use?
- Are their children receiving unusual mail or mail without return addresses?
- Are their children interested in obtaining private mailboxes without the need?

Teens are often under the mistaken impression that abusing substances such as dextromethorphan, inhalants and nitrous oxide as not as dangerous as traditional "street" drugs. This is a fallacy that law enforcement, parents and the media need to work hard to dispel. These myths can in fact be deadly.
For more information on dextromethorphan, go to www.dea.gov.



:mad: Thank you so much for the information you provided. I have not been aware of "ROBO TIPPING".

[Chris A Brandt]

Deborah and Angela

Thank you for the valuable information, another popular drug here in IOWA is Abiem being used as a date rape drug. Not good.
The drug co. intented it to be a sleep aid for mature usage. As a parent all we can do is educate our children and pray they make it through life unharmed, and safe.

[Kisha Drill]

As a parent I am going to always be worried about my children. My children are still very small, but it does not hurt to try and prepare for the future. Who knows what type of drugs will be out there when my children are at that age.:( Thank you for posting this.

[Nicholas R Keith -]

Originally posted by Deborah Siehl
I found this information and thought I would pass it along.

Following is the full text of a DEA warning on possible deadly effects of "Robo Tripping"

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Office is issuing a safety warning to parents, schools and local communities regarding a recent escalation in the abuse of dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant in over-the- counter cough and cold medications. Dextromethorphan abuse in the Detroit area has seen a disturbing increase recently with the Northeastern Wayne County area showing above average abuse. Isolated deaths and overdoses have been reported throughout the United States involving teens experimenting with dextromethophan or "DXM" as it is referred to by users.

Dextromethorphan abuse is often referred to as "Robo Tripping" since many teens consume excessive amounts of Robotussin cough medication to obtain the dextromethophan. The user population of DXM is generally teenagers and young adults. Teens typically purchase and consume these large quantities of over-the-counter cold medications to reach the desired effects. Effects from over ingestion include slurred speech, hyperexcitability, lethargy, sweating, hypertension and hallucinations.

Unfortunately, in addition to over-the-counter medications, some predatory distributors have sought to sell dextromethophan on the Internet. "Parents need to remember that ruthless and dangerous individuals try to entice our children with risky products on the Internet. We need to continually communicate and inform our kids of the dangers that lurk on something as innocent as the home computer," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.

Departments should disseminate the following information to parents in their communities:

- Monitor their teens behavior for sudden and extreme changes in personality

- Are their teens eating habits changing dramatically, especially if they are less interested in eating?
- Are their kids excessively secretive about their computer use?
- Are their children receiving unusual mail or mail without return addresses?
- Are their children interested in obtaining private mailboxes without the need?

Teens are often under the mistaken impression that abusing substances such as dextromethorphan, inhalants and nitrous oxide as not as dangerous as traditional "street" drugs. This is a fallacy that law enforcement, parents and the media need to work hard to dispel. These myths can in fact be deadly.
For more information on dextromethorphan, go to www.dea.gov.

Thanks Deborah!
I had not thought about people abusing cough medicine. But I can see where it can be a problem these days.
Thanks for the heads up!:eek: ;)

[Angela Virgo -]

Originally posted by Chris A Brandt
Deborah and Angela

Thank you for the valuable information, another popular drug here in IOWA is Abiem being used as a date rape drug. Not good.
The drug co. intented it to be a sleep aid for mature usage. As a parent all we can do is educate our children and pray they make it through life unharmed, and safe.

Thank you Chris. I will be investigating more of these types of drugs. (Abiem, etc.) I was really unaware of how many drugs are being abused. How many that we consider "over the counter" can still be fatal if misused.
:eek:

[Chris A Brandt]

Nickolas

Thanks for the information on this new TEEN craze. I will pass this information on to my local agency ie: EMS/FIRE and Police laison. Thank you

[Angela Virgo -]

Originally posted by Angela Virgo


Thank you Chris. I will be investigating more of these types of drugs. (Abiem, etc.) I was really unaware of how many drugs are being abused. How many that we consider "over the counter" can still be fatal if misused.
:eek:

Thanks Chris. I maybe even would like to know or get to know sources that would further the exposure of this stuff. If you are able can you put me in touch? I have been on the site "Project Allert" I find them great and really helpful, however I am still a novice and want to do more than be standby. Can you give me a clue where tdo start? I began today with misssing and exploiting children. Actually it was a web from John Walsh.:o I think this all ties into the appropriate aspect of the conversation. Am I wrong?:cool: ;) :(

[Brandon Lewis]

For that matter NightQuil will do the same. It has 25% alcohol in it and can be used in the same manner as Robotussin. We need to be careful about about babysitters who medicate our children and maybe give them too much so they will sleep and reduce the amount of time that sitter actually has to watch the child.


Thanks for all the great information on this topic!


Sincerely......:)

[Melanie Bradley -]

This is all very good information, thank you all for getting it out...I am on the Ptco board at my sons school and have been assigned Program Director. I need to come up with idea to give to the board on program that will help todays difficult children (or as some will same problem children). Knowing about the different drugs out there and what to look for is very good. If you here of other new drugs please let me know, also I am up for any suggestions for programs to look into...Thank you very much in advance..

[Frank Shields]

Hello Deborah,

Thank you very much for sharing the information. I do live in the Tri county area, not in Wayne county but right next door! I try to read and listen to as much news as I can, but I can honestly say, I never heard of that one, but I certainly believe it.

I will share this with my wife, as she is on the PTC board at our sons school!


Thanks again,

________________________

Frank Shields:cool:

[Latasha Stouff]

Is there anything that is safe anymore? Who would have though that cough medicine would be used by teens, or anyone for that matter, as a drug. I have to say it's very surprising, but good to know. I will be sure to pass this along.

[Michael A O'Connor]

Thanks for the information .... My boys are out of the house now ...but they have kids who could be affected by this problem. Thanks again for the information...... Michael

[Eddie J Shelton]

Thanks,
Cough and cold medications have been around for a long time.
I guess the only thing we can do as parents,is to try and
educated them with all the facts and keep an eye out for the tell
tail signs.

Thanks good posted

[Debra Lewis -]

the speaker told us Dristan is another medication that is being abused...
in some stores Dristan is being locked up and you need an employee to unlock the case where it is stored to get it for you...
some people think because Dristan is not on the shelves, that it is no longer being manufactured.
but in reality, some stores are putting more safeguards to attempt to control access of some over the counter drugs...

[Wayne Specie -]

This reminds me of a report I heard a number of years ago about teens dying of poisoning from drinking to much Nyquil. They were trying to get drunk I suppose.Dangerous things to try to do.

[Thomas L McCauley]

Isn't it amazing how far things have come? I remember in high school (showing my age) when there were a couple of kids who we thought smoked marijuana - and that was a huge concern.

While I agree with the experts that, often, marijuana is the first step in the experimentation process and it can lead to more harmful drugs, it seems that the experimentation process wants to jump ahead so quickly.

I'm glad I' coming up on my 30th high school reunion instead of haveing to deal with what is going on in the schools today.

[Lisa Brucher--]

Yes it must be very hard to be a child in this day and age.. Who would ever imagine that cough medicine can be addicting to the point of overdose, and children are experiencing the effects of it. Very sad and scary.. I am Very lucky that my 21 yr old daughter never got into drugs when she was in school. I have one more youngin to guide in the right path.. Good thing she don't cough medicine. So sad.
Lisa

[Leeayn Chapman -]

I did know about the use and abuse of dextromethophan, but I had not until today, heard the phrase Robo Tripping. That's just a scary name for anything - it conjures up terrible images. Thanks for the info.

[Steven Featherstone]

I have children that will be approaching the teenage years rather soon. I know it will be hard enough as it is let alone knowing something as common as cough medicine is being abused by children today. But who best to teach them but us?

[Joseph Krause]

My children are also grown and out of the house but my daughter just walked through the door and I informed her of this as my Granddaughter is 9 yrs old and we do not her getting involved in this practice.

Thanks, Joe Krause :(

[Michael Runner]

Another incodent to be aware of is people slipping something in your drink. I have heard from several people here in Houston that say they dinner at a bar/resturant and after one drink knew something wasn't right.

Becareful of what your drink, and who brings it to you.

[Mark Neidert]

I was unaware that these OTC medications were being abused. Can someone tell me what the symptoms of abuse look like. I mean, too much to drink and you stagger and slur your speech. What does abusing these drugs look like.

Ambien as a date rape drug is particularly disgusting to me, people who abuse the other drugs are willing participants, those ingesting ambien probably have no idea until its too late

I am not a parent so I don't know how to directly get involved in exposing and stopping this behavior. Is there something as PIs that we can do? Together there are quite a few of us. There is strength in numbers.

[April Rank]

As a parent of small children, I had to keep my medicines locked up because they would get into stuff. I had hoped as they got older I wouldn't have to have so many restrictions.

Now, I'm thinking even if we think we can trust our own kids, we can't necessarily trust their friends when they come over and go in our bathroom.

I never would dream that my medicine cabinet could be the source of some kid's high, let alone possible death. I'm going to have to rethink and reorganize. We have a lot of teens in and out of our place. We want it to stay that way, but we don't want them getting their dangerous hits at this address!

[Michael Gamboa]

Angela,
Just a FYI the medication that is talked about is Ambien and it comes in 2 doses, 5 & 10mg the 5mg was used to give to the older generation and the 10mg used for the younger generation (30-40) era. The medication when taken is very powerful so much that they ask that you been already in bed when you take it. So you can see how it can be a form of a date rape drug. just from its potency alone. This medication is by Rx only not over the counter, but I'm sure there are those who will try to purchase it across the border.

Michael Gamboa

[Larry Schlack]

This was interesting. When I was a teenager, some quarter century ago, we used to joke about drinking cough syrup to catch a buzz. We never actually did it. Here to my suprise it is an actual substance abuse problem. With two teenagers in highschool I will be trying to get some information on this from them on this problem in my area (Central NJ).

By the way, if you ever want to test your interview or interrogation techniqes, try coaxing information out of your teen ager without letting them know that is what your doing!

Thanks again,
Regards,
Larry

[Daniel Clark]

Thanks for the information
Daniel Clark

[Petra Post]

That's a good one, Larry, lol.

I know from experiences in my past, when I used a medicine for broncities that had codein in it, how badly it may be abused. I was lucky enough to never get addicted to it but in fact it used to be the only thing that actually gave me relief. Nowadays doctors are worried to give out medicine with codein because of the affect it has on some people. I found out the hard way, when I dated a man with alcohol problems, and it never occured to me to hide my cough medicine. Come to find out he finished off the bottle for a high leaving me dry when I needed it most.

What bothers me about all this is, every newer generation is so much smarter it seems than the last. Yet, they don't want to learn from mistakes others have made. We definitely need to keep a strong watch on the younger ones. And keep sharing those informations. Prevention is still one of the best things we have.

[Viki Hostek]

I've raised two kids and now have one in Jr.High and have never heard of this ,but it's always good to hear of the new ways kids are getting high.Thanks so much for the info

[Michelle Hunter]

Thanks for the info, my youngest daughter tried the "coriceden" thing, and will never "DO THAT AGAIN" she came straight to me after the trip she had, which was really bad. We sat down and talked about it and she understands that just because they sell it over the counter doesn't make it a safe "TRIP". It opened up alot of dialogue between us and I'm glad she trusted me.

Kids are under seige nowadays. No matter how good a parent you are, teens today face a whole new gauntlet of issues. Schools are full of drugs, violence, abuse from bullies and they feel they have to fit in, so they try different things in order to fit in and many end up dead. The important thing is to keep the lines of communication open, and remember that you were once a kid yourself. I have shared experiences from my teenage years with my children, and that has helped them trust me with their feelings. Parents can't appear to be perfect to their children, they have to be human also and share some of the mistakes they have made in their lifetime. It has helped my children see me as a real person and not just the pain in the butt parent in their lives.

I'm saddened to see so many of our young people turning to any form of altered reality to be able to function in this society and at home.

Just my two cents......Michelle

[Patti Schubert -]

Chris,

I didn't know that Abiem was also being abused. I knew that cough syrup was in demand. Thanks for the additional information. :D

Patti

[Lisa K Hentschel--]

I just caught this thread & wanted to let you all know....DXM is a huge problem in our area. We live in a nice area, the schools are the best, yet Dex is flying off our local store shelves in record numbers. If the teens aren't purchasing it, they're stealing it. When asked why they continue to stock in easy reach, store managers stated, "it isn't illegal to do so." Take this very seriously.

Lisa

[George Shaw]

As a father of 3, topics like this used to be of great concern. I thank god that all three of htem turned out to be well adjusted honest hard working adults.

[Gregory Almas]

I live In The Detroit Area Thanks For The Info. Another Thing Teenagers Are Into Is Huffing Freon From Central Air Units .Look Out For That to.

[Bradley P Watson]

Thanks for this information; I will print and passing this on to our local schools (guidance counselors). I know many parents I will forwarding this to also.

[Bill Hastings]

thanks for the information also. its amazing what kids will find for a "rush". i will also pass the information on.

[Charles Sweany]

Thank you for this information, I was not aware that such an innocuous item as this could and would be a problem.