Triple C’s Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Dextromethorphan is a hallucinogen that can alter a person’s perception and behavior. If your teen abuses Triple C’s, they have to consume high doses to experience mood-and-mind-altering effects, placing them at significant risk of experiencing an overdose. These programs still provide comprehensive therapy and support, including individual counseling, group sessions, and relapse prevention education. The frequency and intensity of the sessions can vary, providing a tailored approach to fit the specific needs and schedules of individuals in recovery. Medical supervision is essential because withdrawal can sometimes lead to serious health complications.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Triple C’s

In individuals with a slow metabolism, this can last for 24 hours or more. This can be dangerous because the drug stays in the system for an additional 24 hours following that. If the individual chooses to take another dose the following night, they could reach lethal levels, which start at 50mg per kg of body weight. Acetaminophen – Triple C contains this analgesic in significant quantities.

These come in doses between 2.5 and 10 mg and are intended to decrease the effects of coughing and congestion. The drug’s well-known street moniker, Coricidin Cough & Cold, comes from one of the first retailers of the cough suppressant. If you suspect you have unintentionally misused Coricidin HBP or taken it excessively, seek immediate medical attention. In severe cases, overdose can progress to a coma and, ultimately, death due to oxygen deprivation, cardiac arrest, or organ failure. However, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), when using these medicines for their drug-like effects, they are used in amounts ranging from 100 mg to 1500 mg. This equates to consuming an entire box of cold medicine (24 pills) to chase a temporary high with potentially lifelong health effects.

The process of withdrawal indicates a need for a structured and supportive environment, especially for young adults. Join 40,000+ People Who Receive Our Newsletter Get valuable resources on addiction, recovery, wellness, and our treatments delivered directly to your inbox. When someone becomes addicted to Triple C, all aspects of their life are often impacted.

People who abuse Triple C for a prolonged period of time are also at risk of developing a mental health disorder or worsening an existing disorder, like depression or an anxiety disorder. The average dose for an adult is 15 to 30 milligrams (mg), taken three to four times a day. It is not considered a controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act. However, in Russia, DXM is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance and placed in the same category as benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Klonopin. Antitussive medications reduce activity in the area of the brain that controls the urge to cough. Rehab can be an essential, yet expensive, first step in leading a healthy, sober life.

When taken in high doses, DXM can lead to a distortion in sensory perceptions, producing hallucinations and a feeling of being disconnected from reality. This is often described as a “high” that can include visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and a feeling of floating or dissociation from one’s body. The intensity of these effects can vary based on the dosage, the individual’s physiology, and other factors, such as the presence of other substances in the body.

Overdosing on Triple C’s is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention from healthcare professionals. Triple C is a street name for an over-the-counter (OTC) medication called Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold. It is also known by other street names including red devils, skittles, ccc, and candy.

Triple C can cause overdose in very large doses, however, this is unlikely. Most stores know that teens and adolescents abuse the drug and don’t sell it in large quantities. Therefore, most actual doses of Dextromethorphan are not anywhere near lethal. The drug gets its popular street name from one of the first retailers of the cough suppressant, Coricidin Cough & Cold. Today, while there are many generic and brand alternatives, CCC remains popular.

Stress Addiction

Addiction to Triple C’s is a serious concern and manifests both physically and psychologically. Physical dependency develops when the body gets accustomed to the drug’s presence, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Psychologically, users often develop a compulsive need for the drug, continuing its use despite being aware of its harmful effects. Moreover, the risk increases significantly when these drugs are mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable and dangerous reactions.

Paying for Rehab in Memphis TN with Health Insurance

If your teen displays any of the above symptoms of a DXM overdose, contact emergency medical services immediately. You can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and start your journey to recovery. After detox, many individuals transition to inpatient rehabilitation, a more intensive treatment option. Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery, away from the distractions and triggers of their daily environment. Understanding the mechanism and effects of Triple C is crucial for safeguarding oneself or loved ones from potential abuse.

Treatment Options for Triple C’s Addiction

People abuse Triple C by drinking an excess of cough syrup, ingesting the pills, and/or crushing and snorting the pills. Triple C is one of many street names given to Coricidin Cough & Cold, sold OTC in pharmacies and some supermarkets. DXM is one of the active ingredients, along with acetaminophen and guaifenesin. Our recovery programs are based on decades of research to deliver treatment that really works. The effects of Coricidin HBP products can last up to six hours when taken in excessively high doses, according to the U.S.

  • Addiction – Triple C always leads to dependence and ultimately addiction despite having a minimal risk of addiction.
  • Once you are dependent on the substance, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking them.
  • It is vital to emphasize that misusing Coricidin HBP Cough and cold is dangerous and has life-threatening consequences.

In the past, triple C was more commonly known as “robotripping” with the over-the-counter medicine Robitussin. Professional support and help is available to help you or your loved one begin the journey to sustainable recovery. These behavioral signs are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as skin rashes, twitchiness, stomach pains, labored breathing, vomiting, nausea, and numbness in feet/hands. DXM is metabolized in the liver into dextrorphan at varying rates depending on the biological characteristics of the individual and amount administered. According to an article by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), up to 10% of individuals metabolize DXM poorly.

The Dangers of Triple C (DXM) Abuse

  • Combining Coricidin HBP Cough and cold with alcohol or recreational drugs can be dangerous.
  • These withdrawal symptoms can be particularly challenging to manage and can lead to a relapse if not properly addressed.
  • Combining Coricidin HBP with other medications, especially those with similar active ingredients like dextromethorphan (DXM), can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose.
  • All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

However, DXM is still federally legal and is available over the counter in most states. This means teens and drug users can easily purchase and obtain the substance. Not only that, but triple c’s are fairly inexpensive, so they are easy to afford. The dissociative and hallucinogenic effects of DXM can last for up to six hours.

When taken in high doses, as seen in cases of abuse, the side effects can be more severe and include hallucinations, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and confusion. In extreme cases, misuse can lead to serious complications like liver damage, respiratory distress, and in rare instances, life-threatening conditions. The Triple C’s – Coricidin, Cough, and Cold medications – while effective for treating cough and cold symptoms, present significant risks when misused. The dangers, ranging from severe health complications to addiction, are a growing concern, particularly among younger demographics. Understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of abuse and addiction, and knowing how to seek help are crucial steps in addressing this issue.

Moving Mountains Recovery, based in Randolph, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive and unique approach to addiction recovery. In fact, Dex is in the same drug class as ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic. The drug works by blocking the effects of the NMDA glutamate receptor, causing the high. Most essential, however, is that such health issues won’t always manifest immediately; rather, they’ll probably worsen throughout the person’s life. Due to this, the majority of dextromethorphan dosages are nowhere near fatal. Although most jurisdictions currently permit the sale of drugs containing dextromethorphan to children, by 2020, 15 states will have outlawed it.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that because these medications are legal and readily available, they are safe to abuse. triple cs drug However, the misuse of Triple C’s can have severe physical and psychological effects, making it important to understand the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for this addiction. The medication contains dextromethorphan, or DXM, which is commonly abused by young people seeking a cheap, accessible high.