What Is The “Robo Drug” and Why Teens Turn to Robotripping?

“Good weed, purple drank, just leannn.”—Lil Wayne ft Tyga 

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Artists like Lil Wayne, Tyga, Big Moe, and Future have popularized lean (a soda mixture of codeine or DXM cough syrup). When DXM is used, the effects are known as “robotripping”.   This causes a dissociative, out-of-body experience and an intense high similar to opioids that many teens turn to out of experimentation, coping with mental health, or in party culture. 

The National Institute of Health reports that approximately 3% to 5% of US teens have misused cough syrup to get high, including DXM. The exact numbers of “robotripping” are less known, but hospitalizations and poison control calls indicate a significant number of youth do engage in robotripping either experimentally or recurrently [1].

What is Robotripping?

Robotripping, also known as dexing or skittling, is taking DXM to experience psychological and physical effects. DXM is short for dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant that’s found in some cough syrups and cold medications such as Robitussin.

It’s not illegal, and in most states, teens under 18 can buy dextromethorphan cough syrup over the counter, but it doesn’t make it safe. Robotripping involves taking higher than recommended doses, which can lead to serious consequences such as loss of motor coordination, slowed breathing, and hallucinations. There have been several cases of teenagers overdosing and dying from taking excessive DXM or combining it with other drugs [2]. 

What’s in Lean?

Lean, also known as purple drank or sizzurp, is a recreational drug mixture made by combining cough syrup with soft drinks such as Sprite and candy like Jolly Ranchers. It’s usually a colorful purple or blue color that is fruity and sweet. 

Historically, lean was made with codeine (prescription opioid) and promethazine (prescription antihistamine), however, many teens use DXM syrup (not an opioid) as it is easy to access without a prescription. Occasionally, alcohol is mixed with lean in party settings, which greatly increases the risk of overdose. 

Several famous rappers have died from lean (often due to the presence of opioids or mixing it with other drugs or alcohol), including Juice WRLD in 2021, who was prominent among today's youth. 

Why Teens Experiment with Robotripping

Fortunately, robotripping among teens has declined over recent years, however, during the early to mid-2000s [3], when cases skyrocketed according to California Poison Control, here are some of the top reasons teens reported robotripping: 

• To Get High, experience euphoria, and hallucinations. Experimentation and curiosity around drugs is common during youth, and DXM found in cold and cough tablets is easy and cheap to buy. 

• Perceived Safety. Many teens believe that prescription or over-the-counter medications are automatically risk-free and that addiction or overdose is only caused by “really bad drugs” such as fentanyl or cocaine. 

• Media Influence. Current popular culture, like rap and hip hop music, often uses lyrics that normalize or downplay the risk of robotripping on substances like DXM. Reddit and social media posts also show how to misuse DXM and create different flavors of lean, promoting curiosity. 

Dangers and Side Effects of Robotripping 

The effects of robotripping vary depending on how much DXM is taken. DXM causes a range of symptoms at different stages (often referred to as plateaus). 

Other warning signs your teen may be robotripping include typical symptoms of substance use disorders, such as mood swings, academic decline, social isolation, loss of motivation, and increased secrecy. And if you find empty DXM bottles in their room or belongings, this is a definite cause for concern.  

If your teen is experiencing a bad robotrip and you recognize the signs, don’t freak out and punish them in the moment. Remember, they are probably more freaked out than you are. Unfortunately, you can’t “end” the trip; time has to run its course. But there are a few things to help your teen manage the distress if they are having a bad experience with robotripping: 

• Drink ginger tea to ease nausea 

• Put on music or a movie to distract them or help them unwind and breathe 

• Make sure they are drinking water and staying hydrated. Robotripping can make you vomit, which isn’t necessarily bad and means the body is trying to rid itself of harmful substances. However, this can increase the risk of dehydration 

• Remind them that this will be over eventually, and stay with them to monitor their vital signs and keep them calm

Addressing Robotripping and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse with Teens 

Robotripping and OTC drug abuse are challenging to address as the drugs are widely legal, available, and accessible for teens. Many perceive them as harmless or even safe if found in the family medicine cabinet. 

Studies show middle schoolers (12 to 15) are at an increased risk of OTC abuse due to curiosity around drug experimentation and lack of education. And reports from Emergency Department visits found teens accounted for the highest rates of OTC overdoses, most commonly caused by cough and cold medicine, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) [1].

Addressing robotripping and OTC abuse with open communication, education, and supervision is essential. Here are a few tips: 

• Open up a space for honest conversation about the dangers of OTC abuse, including DXM robotripping. Show them the facts, without trying to scare them. Listen actively to their responses or opinions without immediately punishing them. 

• Provide clear, concise education about how OTC medications are not always safe and can lead to severe health consequences, both physically and mentally. Use resources that are relevant to youth. 

• The Netflix series Hip Hop Evolution touches on how drugs like lean were glamorized in Houston's hip-hop culture.

• Generation Found documentary explores the youth addiction crisis through the eyes of those who have experienced it. 

• Lock up medicine in the home that can be abused, such as cough syrups containing DXM and any prescription medication. 

• Keep an inventory of medicines and monitor how much they are being used. 

• Address mental health challenges or stress your teen is experiencing. If they are robotripping to cope, connect them with professional support. 

Specialized Teen Treatment Programs for OTC Abuse at Lotus Behavioral Health, Florida

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We offer a blend of comprehensive recovery services such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and skill-building workshops to help teens recover from over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse. Contact our admissions team today to find support for your family. 

Sources

[1] Abraham, O., & Chmielinski, J. (2018). Adolescents' Misuse of Over-The-Counter Medications: The Need for Pharmacist-led Intervention. Innovations in pharmacy, 9(3), 1–7.

[2] Logan, B. K., Goldfogel, G., Hamilton, R., & Kuhlman, J. (2009). Five deaths resulting from abuse of dextromethorphan sold over the internet. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 33(2), 99–103.

[3] Anderson, I. B. (2006). Dextromethorphan abuse in adolescence: an increasing trend: 1999-2004. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 160(12), 1217–1222.

[4] Hip Hop Evolution. Netflix. 

[5] Generation Found. Amazon Prime Video. 

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