Analyzing the Dangerous Purple Drank Phenomenon
Not all drugs come in tablet, pill or powder form. Some come in styrofoam cups, loaded with ice. That’s how most people consume Purple Drank, a codeine-laced beverage. Explore this phenomenon and discover how a sweet beverage is causing addictions and overdoses around the world. More importantly, find out how our opiate addiction treatment center in Southern California can help.
What’s Inside Purple Drank?
Purple Drank goes by a number of nicknames. Some people know it as Syrup, Dirty Sprite, Lean, or Oil. However, none of these names make clear what’s actually inside the drink.
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The drink starts with a clear lemon or lime soda like Sprite or Mountain Dew. Then, users add prescription cough syrup to the mix. They even add ice and hard candies to make it sweeter and more palatable. Once individuals become addicted, they may sip the cough syrup on its own or make a quick mix right in a Sprite bottle.
The Origins
Many people believe the Purple Drank phenomenon has origins in Houston in the 1960s. At the time, it was popular among blues musicians. Some people argued that drinking this blend of cough syrup and soda increased their creativity. For nearly 30 years, people drank it almost exclusively in the Houston area.
By the 1990s, it was a national concern. The beverage gained a new audience in the hip hop industry and beyond. Although people may not feel that they need substance abuse treatment programs for something like Purple Drank, it can be incredibly addictive.
Behind the Drug’s Rising Popularity
There are several reasons behind Purple Drank’s popularity. Many world-famous rappers and celebrities consume the purple drink, and they do so in the public eye. Plenty of young adults see this behavior and assume that the drug is harmless.
There’s also the misconception that drinking lean is akin to drinking alcohol. While users often drink it from a glass or cup with ice, it’s different from sipping a beer at a party. Purple Drank is a narcotic drug, and consuming it can easily lead to addiction.
Side Effects of Purple Drank
The desired effects of Purple Drank include a feeling of euphoria. Drinking Lean makes you uncoordinated and unsteady, and it can mimic the feelings of being drunk.
The side effects also include blurred vision and slurred speech. In some cases, the purple drink can slow down your heart rate and your respiratory system. It can cause a coma, and in severe cases, it could even lead to death.
Dealing With an Addiction
If you’re addicted to this beverage, you’re addicted to codeine. The only effective means of treatment is detox followed by codeine addiction treatment programs. Recovery can be achieved through all of the following treatment methods:
- Residential treatment program
- 12-step program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Behavioral addiction therapy program
- Trauma Informed counseling
If you or someone you love struggles with a purple drank addiction, take action. At Serenity Lodge in California, you can begin your journey to total recovery. Work toward overcoming addiction by calling [Direct] today.
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