Triple C, also known as DXM or dex, is an over-the-counter cough syrup that has been abused by teens and young adults for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. This drug can be ingested, snorted or injected.
It contains high doses of acetaminophen, which is safe when taken appropriately but can cause liver damage when abused over long periods of time. Triple C abuse can lead to addiction and dependence, which requires professional drug rehab treatment.
What is Triple C?s?
Triple C is the street name for Coricidin HBP Cough Cold, which contains an over-the-counter cough suppressant called dextromethorphan (DXM). This medication can produce hallucinations in high doses and produces similar side effects to controlled substances like ketamine and PCP. Many teenagers abuse Triple Cs because they are easy to find in medicine aisles and are inexpensive.
Teenagers may snort or inject these drugs to experience a high that can last up to 6 hours and cause dissociation. They may also combine them with other drugs to enhance their effects. Over time, constant use of Triple Cs can contribute to a substance use disorder and long-term abuse can lead to liver damage and kidney stones.
Parents and caregivers should watch for signs of Triple C abuse or addiction in their teenagers. These include missing medicine, empty medicine bottles, declining grades, changed behavior, and other physical symptoms. In addition, if teens are abusing Triple Cs and taking large doses, they are at risk for overdose and liver damage because they are getting more acetaminophen than recommended.
What are the Side Effects of Triple C?s?
If you’re on social media, you might see videos of teenagers taking fistfuls of red round candy-looking pills called Triple C’s and doing weird things. The truth is that these drugs can be dangerous when abused.
Dextromethorphan is safe when taken in the recommended doses for cough and cold symptoms but when abused in high doses it can cause hallucinations and disassociation. This is why many teens abuse Triple C’s and other Dextromethorphan drugs to achieve a euphoric or “high” feeling. This activity is known as robotripping or dexing and can be extremely dangerous.
Besides Dextromethorphan, Triple C’s contain large amounts of the painkiller acetaminophen which can cause liver damage in high doses. This is another reason it is important to safeguard medicine cabinets and to monitor teen behavior for signs of drug abuse such as missing or disappearing medicine, altered or suspicious activities, declining grades, skin rashes, muscle twitching, labored breathing, and isolation from friends and family.
Can I Overdose on Triple C?s?
Dextromethorphan (commonly referred to as DMX, dex, and skittling) can cause a euphoric high when taken in large doses. It is also known to produce visual and auditory hallucinations. It is often abused by teenagers to achieve an altered state of consciousness. It can be snorted or injected in powder form. It can also be found in illegally manufactured tablets that contain just dextromethorphan or are mixed with other controlled substances such as ketamine and PCP.
Triple C abuse is dangerous because the body can only absorb so much of the drug at once. It can lead to drug overdose and death. In addition, it can affect the ability to regulate body temperature leading to heatstroke.
Triple C can also interfere with breathing and lead to respiratory arrest and death. Teens who are struggling with addiction to triple c should seek professional treatment. They may need cognitive behavioral therapy to help them change their thoughts and behaviors related to the drug.
How Can I Get Help for My Triple C?s Addiction?
Dextromethorphan (commonly referred to as Triple C) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant. When taken at recommended doses, it is safe and effective, but when abused it can cause hallucinations and euphoria. Triple C is often abused by teenagers and can be ingested in large amounts, leading to overdose.
It is easy for teenagers to access over-the-counter medications that contain DXM because they are readily available in the medicine aisle of their local drug store or can be purchased online. Many parents report seeing excessive boxes of over-the-counter cold medicines in their child’s garbage, a dramatic change in their teenager’s attitude or behavior, or noticing a poor academic performance.
Long-term abuse of Triple Cs can lead to permanent brain damage and liver failure. If you suspect your teen is abusing Triple Cs, seek treatment immediately. Cognitive-behavioral therapy at a rehab medical facility can help them learn to manage their addiction and recover from the damage it has caused to their life.
