KKTV Online Poll
Have you personally felt the effects of the economic crisis?

Yes
No
Not yet, but I think everyone will eventually


Teens Getting High On Over-The-Counter Meds Save Email Print
Posted: 9:58 PM May 14, 2008
Last Updated: 7:38 PM May 15, 2008
Reporter: Lauri Martin
Email Address: lmartin@kktv.com

A | A | A

Drugs commonly found in medicine cabinets are now at the center of a frightening trend. More and more kids are getting caught up in it, but the quick high can lead to death.

The teens are mixing Robitussin with Coricidin (cough and cold tablets).

It’s a high that almost killed 14-year-old Alexus Stevenson. "She admitted to taking 20 pills and Robitussin," said Tanya Stevenson-Becht.

“They did drug testing, but it didn't show up in blood or urine tests. The nurse and ER doctor knew immediately."

That's when Stevenson-Becht realized her daughter, a straight-A student, was also a straight-up addict. "It's a rapid heart rate, they can't retain their body temperature and it destroys brain cells," said Stevenson-Becht.

Teenagers call it “robo tripping with triple C, which is referring to the cough, cold and congestion tablets.

"It's has a similar effect as PCP," said Dr. Eric Boyer from Memorial Hospital. He said teenagers hallucinate on this stuff.

"A lot of people think it's the troubled kids taking this stuff, but it’s the kids in sports and anyone. There are 11 and 12 year olds at Alexus' school hooked on this," said Stevenson-Becht.

She hopes other parents can learn from what happened to her daughter. It was a close call that started right in the family medicine cabinet.

Alexus is out-of-state and at a rehab center. She’ll be there for the next year.

Springs Police said this trend among teens is actually driving some of them to steal. Since the items are on the shelves, readily available, thefts are up at Target, Kmart and Walgreens.

More Stories
Accused Marine Fighting Extradition

Shots Fired Through Family's Ceiling

Wildfire In Napa Valley

Missing Person Report

Lottery Up; Economy Down

NY Election Mix-Up: `Osama' On The Ballot

Rockslides South of Trinidad

Toxic Waste Eliminated From One Part of El Paso County

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: makayla :} Location: myspace.com/pink_n_black_r_hott on Jul 27, 2008 at 07:23 PM
This is a really hard time for Lexi's family, we all don't need to be fighting about this. Mrs. Tanya is just trying to warn and help other families out there. This hurts really bad for me too, to see Alexus gone. I feel like it is all my fault, cause I didn't stop her from any of this. I knew that she was doing it, and I didn't do anything about it. One day I just decided to do it with her. We both took it at school. I honestly feel so bad about this, I really could of helped. I know friends don't tell on eachother like that, but it would have been helping Lexi. I just sat there and did the drugs with her.. I bless you Lexi and your whole family. And if you read this Mrs. Tanya, I truly apolagize for all that has happened. I hope someday you will find a place in your heart to forgive me. You are a GREAT mom, I know this is probably the hardest for you but you did the right thing. I pray for Lexi & her family every night. I LOVE YOU ALEXUS <3

Posted by: cathy Location: new jersey on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:20 AM
Regarding Robo tripping. My 16 year old and friends have been doing this and drinking and taking benadryl. My husband and I found out at 3am last night when police called and had picked up my son. He was high on alcohol, benadryl and robitussin and pot. He had been a good kid athletic. We were shocked when we found out what the kids are doing these days. Going to take him to out patient rehab as I am a nurse at a large facility with a behaviorl health unit. Very scary

Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 06:42 PM
hkb

Posted by: Rodolfo "Coco" Location: Colorado Springs on May 20, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I dont understand how people can be so rude! I used to go to school with Lexi and she was a great student and a very nice girl! I mean yes she did have problems and whoever has a problem should look at themselves before they try to talk about Lexi! You guys should want to try to help the community and not be sarcastic and plain old rude!!! So comming from a teen it is hard to stay out of drugs and some teens do and others do not but at least Lexi actually wants to fix her problems! To Joshua before you go saying "all of Lexi's friends" are mad at her... Get your facts straight! i aint mad at her! and all of you guys are NOT good friends because true friends willl stay by your side when you make a mistake! Anybody have a problem with what i said? Find me on Myspace and we will handle it like that!!! Myspace URL: Toribio_719 All my support goes out to Alexus... Mrs.Tanya... And all family *Love you Leni!*

Posted by: Erika Location: Colorado Springs on May 19, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I pray that it doesn’t happen to you, no matter how rude you’ve been, or if you’re only 19. I have never had to see my child lying on a hospital bed almost dying, have any of you? Don’t you know who your own worst critic is? But yet, you don’t think her mom has blamed herself? We are here to support and respect Tanya for making our community aware of what’s going on right in front of us. Lexi has a great family and will have continuing support when she returns home.

Posted by: Erika Location: Colorado Springs on May 19, 2008 at 11:01 AM
To everyone- we all have our right to our opinions. However, have you considered keeping the negative one’s off of this site, and go blog it on your MySpace? I’m not trying to be defiant, but it’s painfully obvious that all you are trying to do is hurt this family with your comments, when they are already hurting. Kick em’ while they’re down why don’t you? Most of you are more concerned with peoples’ grammar and not the actual text. Get on with your life please… I know and love this family. Yes, I’m shocked about the choices Lexi made, but I don’t believe that blaming or pointing fingers at anyone is the way to handle this situation. She is off, getting the help she needs and I pray for everyone involved. The reason this shocked me so much is because I suppose I was stereotypical. Lexi is athletic and SO great with my children. This is an eye- opener, and unfortunately some just won’t understand unless they have to go through this themselves.

Posted by: LBM on May 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM
ok. I am the cousin of alexis.. i am 16 and am very close to her.. this topic was about how VERY young children are getting high off cold medicines not how ignorant people are.. this is a very very horrible time in our lives right now.. and i dont need to see people like " Jennifer" talking to my aunt like that.. you have absolutely NO right to tell my aunt what she can say.. what we have gone through she could say what ever the heck she wants to! if u are not related to alexis in any way then u should back the heck off.. i also wanted to say thank you for all of the supportive people out there. it is greatly appreciated at this very difficult time..

Posted by: Marty Location: CS on May 18, 2008 at 04:18 PM
People, please stop slinging mud at each other and think of this little girl and hope and pray that rehab will help her. There are too many beautiful kids that get mixed up in a world of methamphetamines, over the counter drugs and alcohol..Was it that long ago that you cant remember being a teen and doing stupid things, not thinking about what was right or what was wrong. A lot of us could be in prison or dead now because of the wrong we did..when we were the same age as Alexus..Thank god her family is standing behind her and being there for her at this time. We can't watch every move our kids make when they aren't with us..Just keep trying to teach them to use good judgement and make the right decision when it comes to drugs and alcohol..Cause it will ALWAYS be out there.

Posted by: Mike Location: Colorado Springs on May 17, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Kim- from my opinion they weren't telling them their opinion was wrong but instead saying they were being ignorant by calling others ignorant. they never said anyone was wrong in feeling for the family.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Colorado Springs on May 17, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Sounds like Lexi started early. Usually this behavior is followed by harder/better drugs, turning tricks, and theft.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 17, 2008 at 12:19 AM
well, I hope that rehab works for lex. A lot of families deal with addiction so maybe you should worry about your issues and not so much what other people think.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Colorado Springs on May 16, 2008 at 10:28 PM
How about you ALL stop fighting over who's wrong who's right who's ignorant and who's not! Lexi was one of my best friends and this really upset me! This is warning you basically to talk to your kids about it and use Lex as an example cuz I'm sure they don't wanna end up in rehab like her! So just stop can you stop thinking about yourselves for once and start helping people that are actually struggling with this or are thinking about doing it okayy! Goodness get over yourselves and look at the bigger picture!

Posted by: KIm Location: Colorado Spriongs on May 16, 2008 at 10:22 PM
To Jennifer and anonymous. WTG. You sit here on your high horse telling someone whos been directly affected by this they are ignorant.Then in the next breath you tell them they have the right to their own opinion..... Talk about hypocritical. THe truth is... THis was to INFORM those that didnt know about this. It was to help even its one but ONE or may children and adults. You took as a chance to be higher than those before you.ALEXUS and those like her need someone to care. They dont need your uneducated selfish opinions. If you can come to an article like this and bash those that have been thru it you need to take a good look in the mirror

Posted by: Janel Location: Colorado Springs on May 16, 2008 at 08:59 PM
You know what...Maybe everyone does have their right to voice their opinion HOWEVER Lexi is my neice, I am obviously very protective of her, I love and miss her to death and I will NEVER let anyone hurt her or talk bad about her and I WILL be here to support her and make sure her name is not drug through the mud. Alot of the comments below are rude and hurtful. So my sister wanted everyone to be aware of this situation no comment is needed on how this is an "old story",it was new to us. Another comment below maybe we should teach our kids about drugs, ya think we didn't!!! ALL WE ARE ASKING IS TO SPREAD THE WORD...THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE MOMS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO HAVE COMMENTED. We all appreciate it very much!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 06:11 PM
way to go jennifer. everyone has the right voice their opinion.

Posted by: Cameron Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 16, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I am very sorry to Mrs. Tanya and yourt family, but this has taken a big effect on me too. I thoutgh of Alexus as a sister and she still will be considered that, but I had no knowledge of what was going on. Believe me if I would have known I would have taken some action. I would always tell Alexus that is she needed to talk come and find me, I wish she would have. But if you are reading these comments please forget about all the rude ones first of all, but remember I love you like a sister Alexus and really won't you to get better. Stay strong and don't loss hope. I am praying for you. And to Mrs. Tanya and the family I an deeply sorry. Keep me in touch please. Thank you!! God Bless you guys

Posted by: Anna M. Location: CS on May 16, 2008 at 05:26 PM
WOW I must say I agree Jennifer Janal took it a bit far

Posted by: Jennifer on May 16, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Anonymous- Your right at the age of 19 i SHOULD be having children. I wasn't at all talking about the family. Just Janel and the fact that she shouldn't be calling ANYONE names, nor should you. Sounding off your impotent words is a waste of time.

Posted by: "uncle" Terry Location: Colo Spgs on May 16, 2008 at 02:40 PM
It's certainly good that the community be made aware of the pitfalls of even the most innocuous of drugs, and it’s a good thing that Alexus’ mom came forward to bring this to light. It concerns me that the discussion has been more about the drugs than about Lexi herself. As with anyone who gets involved in self-destructive behavior there are always other issues. Why did this young lady go so far into these behaviors in such a short amount of time? God only knows! Now, all I care about is that we support her in every way and don’t let the discourse distract us from what’s important! I have confidence in Lexi and think her mom has done the right thing in getting her into treatment quickly. Whenever you get to see this, Lexi, know that we all love you and think about you all the time. Your “uncle” Terry misses you already!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Colorado Springs on May 16, 2008 at 09:47 AM
WOW...Jennifer...19 and IGNORANT...Just wait until you have kids some day and you will greatly appreciate what this family has done for the community. What you need to do is lay off the family and show some support!

Posted by: k Location: colo on May 15, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Mom - Thanks for bringing attn to this growing problem. My own 12 yr old got into huffing sharpies, pharming, robotripping etc...it nearly killed her and she has permanent damage now. Drugs have been a problem in households for years we notice it more now because of the number of lives it touches. For 3 years now I lock everything in a floor safe in my home. Not only to protect my kids but to protect kids that come to my home. You don't know what they could be looking for. God bless you and your family. My prayers for your daughters complete recovery.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Janel- Got problems? How dare you calls other ignorant... that is EXACTLY what your being. Weather or not some one's age or weather they have children, they have every right to voice their opinion....And Janel? Im 19 with no children. And quiet honestly, i have a handful more respect for my community and their opinions then you show you have. Lay off of others. Concentrate on changing how IGNORANT you are.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Responding To Joshua:It is quite funny that you say you are so shocked because weren't you doing these drugs with her? Alexus needs support right now, not for everybody to be mad at her. Put yourself in her shoes, would you want support or people to be mad at you? At least she is getting help and not out running the streets and still gettin' high!

Posted by: mother of 2 Location: colorado springs on May 15, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I am a mother of 2, and also work in emergency medicine. I must agree with the parents, this is a epidemic that is like any other drug. Its just easier to get, all they have to do is walk into the store and buy it. The person who posted what about pot, ok, drugs are drugs illegal or legal and its up to us parents to educate eachother and our children of the dangers. What Dr. Boyer said is right they do this to get high. This young girl had a wake up call, but nobody wants their child to be next. Its sad we have to lock up our medicine cabinets to keep our kids safe. But its up to us to keep them safe. Instead of talking down to eachother, educate eachother, realize your child has a problem and help other parents who may not know. Drinking cough syrup is just like huffing gas or even canned air for the computer, eventually it will kill you or cause serious brain damage. What is it going to take? Be there for your kids and listen, if you have to be nosey. It may save a life. Good luck!

Posted by: Pete on May 15, 2008 at 03:45 PM
LOL...well being mad at her will for sure make her not to want to do this again. What a good way to show support.

Posted by: Janel Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 02:12 PM
That is EXACTLY one of the points we as a family are trying to make here. It does not matter what race, color, financial or social background the child is from. It can happen to any family. Our family is very close and our children ARE watched very closely. I feel that some people are getting off of the subject about what is going on with our community and our children. We are ONLY trying to help others out there who were not aware of the risks of this potentially deadly drug.

Posted by: Kim Location: Colo Springs on May 15, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Most of you need to grow up. Whether you knew about it or not... There are people that didnt.. Get over yourselves. Go some where else and be idiots

Posted by: Janel Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 01:03 PM
To: A.McKinley...I am guessing you are either a teenager or a parent with no children...Am I right? It is OBVIOUS what is out there on the internet but have you considered that this was NOT found on the internet and that it is floating around every school in Colorado Springs...Hello!...How can you be SO ignorant?

Posted by: MDT Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I am another one of Alexus' aunts and this situation has had a big impact on our family. All her mother is trying to do is get the word out to parents who may not know about CCC's and prevent what happened to my niece from happening to another child and unsuspecting family. Although people have been doing this for a while, it has plagued our elementary, middle and high schools. There are still some people that care about this community and it's safety. It was not easy for her mother to do this but again, she is only trying to help!

Posted by: joshua Location: colorado springs on May 15, 2008 at 12:25 PM
i know her personally... i am really shocked that she did that. all her friends are mad at her now... sorry alexus... renay says hi!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Janel, I do not see any rude comments, Just people speaking the truth.Maybe you are offended because you thought your family was above this problem. Try and teach your children the dangers of getting high.

Posted by: Janel Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Maybe everyone should take this a little more serious and stop being so rude! This is my niece and if this has happened in your family you would know what we have been through...If not your lucky! Anyone with any more rude comments look me up and we can deal with it that way!...

Posted by: Tom Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM
So, whatever happened to the good old days with smoking pot??

Posted by: Rob Location: COS on May 15, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Lets all take the time to thank JC for doing such a great job at proof reading this article. Thanks JC!

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Yeah, this isn't anything new. You guys are just a little late on the reporting.

Posted by: JC Location: Colorado Springs on May 15, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Hey, don't you guys have a spell checker - or do you keep that in your "cabinents"?

Posted by: SpellCheck on May 15, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Congestion is spelled with "g" rather than a "j".

Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 06:31 AM
If it's not cold medicine it would be glue or paint. Kids will always find a way.

Posted by: A. McKinley Location: Colo Sprgs on May 15, 2008 at 03:59 AM
New trend? Kids have been doing this for years. I just heard about something called "the Internet". Perhaps you can write a story about it, too.

National News - CBSnews.com
  • Rep. Lewis: McCain Sowing Seeds Of Hatred
    Rep. John Lewis, a veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s.
  • Palin's Record On Church-State Separation
    An Associated Press review of the Republican vice presidential candidate's record as Wasilla mayor and Alaska governor reveals her use of elected office to promote religious causes in ways that blur the line between church and state.
  • All That Money You Lost - Where Did It Go?
    Trillions in stock market value - gone. Trillions in retirement savings - gone. A huge chunk of the money you paid for your house, the money you're saving for college, the money your boss needs to make payroll - gone, gone, gone.