Many parents don’t know much about cough medicine abuse. However, they may have heard their kids talk about sizzurp and purple drank, which are terms used to describe using cough medicines to get high. These medications, often in pill or syrup form, contain a chemical, called DMX, that produces a high, similar to that of a drug. As a result, because of its accessibility, many teens seek it out. For those who may have a child using these products, it is best to seek out help from a program such as Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Call our team today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about your teen’s treatment options.

What Is Sizzurp and Why Should Parents Be Worried?

Teens typically use cough medications to gain access to dextromethorphan (DXM), a type of cough suppressant. It is available in various types of over-the-counter medicines and appears as capsules, gels, syrup, or pills. In all methods, the DXM present can provide a high. While this is not as addictive or threatening as other drugs, it may be enough to create a habit. Cough medication abuse like this is problematic, as there are significant risks to cough medicine abuse. While it may not seem harmful at first, the continued use of this type of drug can have complications. First, it can lead to repeated use and habits. Cough medicine abuse can create a form of dependence in which a teen continues to seek out the product on a compulsive basis.

While this may not seem like a risk at first, it opens the door for further difficulties. Soon, the DMX is not enough to create a genuine high. The teen then feels like they have to find other treatments and medications that may provide the high they’re seeking, leading to the use of more powerful and addictive drugs.

Additionally, there are risks to cough medication abuse. For instance, most medications can damage the heart, the liver, and kidneys and cause cognitive function challenges. It is not likely an overdose will occur. However, when mixed with other drugs or alcohol, life-threatening consequences are possible.

How to Know Your Child Is Abusing These DMX?

Whether they are using what they call sizzurp or another slang term, parents can spot behavior that has changed and know there is a concern. Some key risk factors to look for include:

• Repeated need for cough medication (pretending to cough)
• Medicines that are missing from medicine cabinets
• The need for cash to purchase them
• Distance and isolation from parents and friends
• Changes in academic performance
• Using terms like purple drank and sizzurp assuming parents do not understand

For parents who are unsure, treatment options may be the first step.

How to Get Help for Sizzurp Use in Your Home

For parents with teen boys who engage in using products like purple drank or sizzurp, it may be time to seek out help. Our team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers a comprehensive treatment program that may provide the support needed to overcome this addiction or limit the worsening of addictive behaviors. We provide a range of treatment programs that may be able to help, including:

• Family therapy programs
• Equine therapy programs
• Academic support programs
• Holistic healing solutions
• Co-occurring issues treatment

Seek Support by Calling Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Sizzurp and purple drank are worrisome words to hear your teen talk about when it comes to drug addiction. If you believe your child may be engaging in cough medicine abuse using DMX products, it may be time to seek out help. Our team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers compassionate, dedicated professionals who want to help. To learn more, call 866.300.5275 or connect with us online.