When it comes to addictive substances, you may have heard the term Purple Drank mentioned recently. In popular culture and media, such as rap songs, this substance is mentioned fairly often. However, not many people actually know what this new drug is. Is it real or is it just a term used to describe something else? This substance is very real and it can cause addiction and other issues. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s important to arm yourself with information.

What Is Purple Drank?

This drug has many names, including Sizzurp and Lean. Regardless of what people call it, they’re all referring to a mixture of prescription cough syrup and soda. The prescription cough syrup typically contains codeine that numbs various forms of pain.

Because prescription cough syrup by itself doesn’t taste good, people mix it with soda and occasionally hard candy to mask the flavor, which makes it more enjoyable to drink.

Codeine is an opioid pain killer which is typically used for moderate pain. When taken without a medical necessity it creates relaxation and euphoric effects. Because it is an opioid, this means that it can produce dependency and addiction in those who abuse it.

How Did This Drink Become Popular?

Purple Drank has become extremely popular in recent years. Many rappers reference the beverage in their songs. While you can argue that music increased awareness about the drink, unfortunately, and even worse, it has also caused young teens to consume it. They seem to think this substance is safe and will raise their perceived social status.

The drink mixture first gained popularity in Houston, Texas. However, it didn’t take long for people across the United States to learn about it. Besides rappers and other celebrities increasing its popularity, experts also blame easy access to prescription cough syrup for the recent epidemic.

Why Is It Dangerous?

Why is the drug dangerous? After all, doctors put it in cough syrup to help people. Unfortunately, just like any other drug, codeine is dangerous in large amounts. Some of the most common codeine problems include:

• Dizziness
• Impaired vision
• Nausea
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss

Sadly, the bad side effects don’t end there. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that codeine abuse can lead to seizures. In some cases, excess consumption can even cause death. In fact, many famous people have died as a result of drinking sizzurp.

Let Us Help You Overcome Sizzurp Addiction

The codeine in prescription cough syrup is highly addictive. Once teens start drinking sizzurp, it doesn’t take long for them to develop an addiction. At Crest View Recovery Center in North Carolina, we can help you overcome opiate addiction. Different aspects of our addiction treatment services include:

• Rehab treatment program that has an inpatient feel without the constraints
• Treatment model centered around reality therapy
• Proven addiction therapy approaches

Let Crest View Recovery Center guide you down the road to recovery. Call us today at 866-327-2505 for more information.