Find a Therapist

Highly-promoted dangerous drink growing in popularity

By Staff Writer

More than 29 percent of high school students say they can easily obtain illicit drugs on campus, according to Teen Help, a statistics site. Substance abuse programs for youth provide healthier alternatives to drugs, but more adolescents are finding a thrill in getting high from products in their own medicine cabinets.

Recently, a drink composed of Sprite and codeine cough syrup has grown in popularity among young adults, according to New American Media. Often referred to as Purple Drank, the beverage is legal, but highly addictive. The hip hop music community has influenced many teens to indulge in the drink, boasting about it in songs and consuming it in public.

Codeine syrup is known for causing drowsiness and blurred vision. When combined with other common medications, it can cause irregular heartbeat, fever, and stiff muscles. If an individual begins suffering from these symptoms and fails to seek medical treatment, the effects can be fatal.

Codeine cough syrup can only be legally obtained through a prescription. Individuals who have become addicted to the drug can seek help from rehabilitation facilities to detoxify. Consuming codeine syrup over time is dangerous when mixed with other drugs and may result in death.