About Triple C
At Siam Rehab, we have known of many younger men and women between the ages of 14 and 27 who are addicted to a legal drug used for coughs and colds. This drug is dextromethorphan, but is most commonly referred to as Triple C or DXM. Although it is a popular drug used for its psychoactive-like effects, it is also one of the least discussed addictive substances. Coverage about the dangers of DXM use, its availability, and its effects is minimal. A number of musicians even glorify its use even though it is responsible for a large number of overdoses and deaths in the U.S. and Australia.
What is Triple C Exactly?
Triple C is a medication that is used to relieve the symptoms of a cough, cold, or certain allergies. Depending on the country, it may be available over the counter or, as in Australia, requesting it from a pharmacist.
Dextromethorphan is the ingredient that causes the effects and it can be found in several different medicines. Recently, especially in Australia, the drug has been made available, through the black market, in a purified powdered form. This is said to create a stronger high, but is considerably more dangerous and addictive.
Adolescents and young adults are most vulnerable to using Triple C. This is likely due to its affordability and accessibility. One of the best ways to understand Triple C is by reading a short story written by a 21 year old who was addicted to DXM.
“I loved it after the first time I tried it – which was when I was 17. At first I used it with my friends, and for fun. Eventually, I would use it after I woke up. It helped me to feel like I was dreaming. Then I started using it throughout the day. It really disassociated me from daily life. From then on, I continued to use it. I never thought about being addicted to it because I liked the feeling. Then, I overdosed. I nearly died. Everything kind of hit me, and my parents were begging me to get help. I was scared and didn’t actually know if I really needed to go to rehab for DXM. I tried to quit on my own, and I couldn’t handle the cravings or withdrawal. I was so used to using DXM that I didn’t know how to quit. That’s when I made the decision to go to rehab for my Triple C addiction. Now I’m 23. My life has changed in a way I didn’t think was possible. I’m still recovering, but I’m happier than I ever have been.”
The Effects of Triple C
Triple C affects the brain and body in many ways; however, to what extent the effects are largely depends on the amount that is taken and how. In light doses, Triple C causes a drunk-like feeling. A user might be unable to walk straight, could be agitated or excited, and their risk-behaviours may increase. An increase in the amount used may lead to signs of significant intoxication as well as light hallucinations. Heavy doses of DXM may result in a change in consciousness, intense hallucinations, vision loss, loss of other senses, and loss of the ability to control one’s behaviours. Beyond this amount, DXM can cause a person’s physical senses to be “shut off”. The effects are similar to PCP which is a very dangerous synthetic drug.
Triple C is considered to be a dissociative anaesthetic. Apart from the obvious short term, albeit dangerous, effects, the long term effects of the drug can be detrimental. When the drug is injected or snorted, the effects could be more severe or even life threatening.
DXM Use in Australia
The effects of DXM are so significant, and dangerous, that many people in the medical profession want the drug to be reclassified. Already in Australia, DXM can no longer be bought from the store shelves. Rather new changes mean it can only be bought on request from a pharmacist. This change came shortly after dextromethorphan use in Australia hit an all time high throughout the country. A Vice census conducted in 2017, and aimed at bringing awareness to chemicals that were being sold as MDMA, travelled through Austrailias’ festivals, clubs, and events to test ecstasy tablets. In 37.5 % of the tablets tested, DXM was found.
Signs of Using Triple C
If you are wondering whether or not you or a loved one is addicted to Triple C, there are signs and symptoms to watch out for. It should be noted that if you’re using the drug to get high or experience the psychoactive effects, you are abusing DXM. If you’re doing this on a regular basis, you may be addicted to Triple C. Signs of a Triple C addiction can vary, but often include:
- Stomach pains
- laboured breathing
- Twitching
- Stuttering or slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Skin rashes
- Numbness in the hands or feet
In addition to the physical symptoms of a Triple C addiction, family, friends, or caregivers might notice:
- A change in a person’s physical appearance
- Mood swings
- Spending less time with non-using friends or family
- Missing money or valuables
- A decrease in appetite
- Lying about activities
- Showing hostility
- Decreased coordination
- Short term memory loss
It is possible to overdose on DXM. Adverse effects of the drug can occur at doses between 15 and 75 times more than the recommended use on the label. A Triple C overdose can be fatal; therefore, medical attention should be sought. Signs of overdose may include:
- Dissociation
- Hallucinations
- Double or blurred vision
- Profuse sweating
- Fever
- Breathing problems
- Increase in blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
You Can Get Help for a Triple C Addiction
In general, most people who abuse or are addicted to Triple C are young; typically between 17 and 27 years of age. Long term abuse can have long lasting effects on the brain and body. If an addiction is not treated, cognitive impairment, permanent memory loss could result. These effects, when combined with relationship, family, job, or legal issues, could be devastating. If you or someone you know is addicted to Triple C, or DXM, rehab will be the best option. To learn more about our DXM rehab in Thailand, call Siam Rehab now.
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/wnkdmq/vice_mdma_census_2017
https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/pg9z7m/a-glossary-of-the-drugs-we-found-testing-australias-mdma
