In the early 2000s, purple drank gained widespread popularity in the United States, particularly among hip-hop and rap communities. This was due to its frequent mentions in popular music as well as high-profile celebrity endorsements. In addition, a number of media reports ran stories about celebrities’ use of the drink, giving it more attention and contributing to its popularity.
Today, purple drank is widely consumed in the United States and other countries around the world. While its use can be dangerous due to its high levels of codeine and other ingredients, this has not stopped its growth as a popular recreational drug.
Purple drink, or drank, is a dangerous and unhealthy beverage. Consuming purple drink means you’re abusing drugs, even if some people portray the beverage as safe. Take a look at what is really inside purple drank, and explore the side effects of this risky drug and seek drug addiction treatment.
Lean addiction rehab in Portland could save your life or the life of a loved one. For more information, call us today at 866.262.0531.
What is in Purple Drank?
Purple drank goes by many different names: Dirty Sprite, lean, purple and sipping syrup. Whatever you call it, the primary ingredients are typically the same across the board. This purple drink contains prescription codeine cold syrup, a clear soda like Sprite or Mountain Dew, lots of ice and a few Jolly Rancher candies. The result is a cold, very sweet and often purple beverage.
The active ingredient in the cough syrup is promethazine, which is a central nervous system depressant. When mixed with soda and candy, it can create a sweet, high-inducing drink.
What Are the Side Effects of Cough Syrup Abuse?
Anyone who drinks purple drank will experience a number of side effects. These side effects are similar to alcohol but more pronounced. People who regularly drink the purple beverage say they like to experience the swooning, woozy euphoria that results from the liquid drug. It can create a type of dissociation from the body, similar to many forms of drug or alcohol abuse.
However, there are also plenty of unpleasant side effects. Many users experience blurred vision when under the influence of purple drank. Slurred speech, a raspy voice, constricted pupils and a loss of coordination are all common side effects. Constipation is also likely, as a result of the opioid nature of the codeine in the drink.
One of the most dangerous side effects is the likelihood of developing an addiction. Since codeine is a narcotic, you can develop a dependence on it. This can develop rapidly, and it can also cause a serious and even fatal overdose.
What’s Behind the Drink’s Popularity?
Despite the unpleasant side effects, individuals still frequently consume it. Many people continue to associate this drink with certain rappers, who glamorize this drug in their music. Unfortunately, this often leads young people to believe that it is something worth doing because their hip-hop heroes endorse it.
Additionally, peer pressure is frequently an issue. People often consume purple drank at parties, where they sip it just like they would a cocktail. However, it’s important for them not to promote the idea that it is a highly illegal drug.
Ultimately, purple drank has become popular primarily due to its association with celebrities and the music industry. It’s important for people to realize that consuming large amounts of this drink can be dangerous and illegal.
How Can You Overcome An Addiction?
Addiction treatment programs are necessary if you want to overcome a purple drink addiction. Like any drug addiction, recovery can be challenging. That’s why it’s so critical to have the support of medical professionals.
Whether you choose a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program, treatment methods vary. Some of the most effective include the following:
- Trauma therapy: Addressing the underlying issues that led to addiction can be key to recovery. Through talk therapy, you can begin to understand and process past trauma. This can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
- Individual and group therapy sessions: In therapy, you’ll learn about the nature of addiction and how to cope with triggers. You’ll also develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stressors in your life.
- Cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy: These types of therapy can help you change the negative thought patterns that fuel addiction.
- Life skills rehab: In addition to therapy, you’ll also learn practical life skills in rehab. This can include budgeting, cooking, and time management. These skills can help you build a foundation for long-term sobriety.
- Relapse prevention education: It’s important to learn about the risks of relapse and how to avoid them. With this knowledge, you can create a plan for what to do if you start to feel like you’re slipping.
An important part of your addiction treatment program is the therapy programs that your treatment specialists recommend. As a result, we offer a variety of addiction therapy programs including:
- Meditation therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Acupuncture therapy
- Yoga therapy
Purple drank is a drug, and recovery requires addiction treatment. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, you can begin the path to overcoming addiction. Therefore, call 866.262.0531 and start working toward addiction recovery today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
