What Is “Purple Drank”? Codeine Cough Syrup Abuse in America

The Risks of Purple Drank and How to Get Help

As a parent, you have worked hard to educate yourself about the dangers of drugs for your children. You have talked to them about the risks of drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, and you watch them closely for signs of abuse.

Even so, you could be missing one of the biggest dangers young people face, the abuse of commonly used cough medicine. You may have this cough syrup in your medicine cabinet, and if you do, your kids could be watching. Here are some key things you need to know about the medicine cabinet drug dubbed purple drank.

What Is Purple Drank?

Purple drank is a slang name for cough syrup, and it is one every parent needs to know. This term is often used to discuss the use of cough medicines that contain codeine, a low-level opioid with a strong potential for addiction and dependency.

If you hear anyone in your household talking about purple drank or other slang terms for cough syrup, it is important to reach out for help right away. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we can help you get your child into treatment, so they can avoid the dangers and long-term effects this common form of drug abuse can create.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Other Names for Cough Syrup Based Drugs

Teens and young people have a slang term for everything, from LOL and WTF to other even more arcane texting lingo. But some slang terms are more telling than others, including the street names for cough syrup. Here are some of the other names for purple drank:

• Tussin
• Sizzurp
• Purple stuff
• Robo
• Lean
• Drank
• Barre
• Texas tea
• Purple jelly

Side Effects of Purple Drank

Cough syrup is found in every home, but it is not as safe as you might think. Many teens and even some younger children use cough syrup to get high, drinking it to excess to create the same kinds of feelings that can accompany other drugs that are much, much harder to find.

Some of the side effects of this type of use include:

• Euphoria
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vision changes
• Memory loss
• Possible hallucinations
• Possible seizures

If you spot any of these signs and symptoms, it is essential to seek help for your child as soon as possible. It may seem innocent, but cough syrup abuse is no laughing matter.

Who Is at Risk of Abusing Codeine Cough Syrup Drinks

In general terms, anyone can be at risk of cough syrup abuse, but some are in greater danger than others. The fact that cough syrup is found in nearly any home makes it a tempting target for bored teens and younger children who may not have access to money or know where to obtain other drugs.

Children as young as age six or seven have been known to abuse cough syrup, often by imitating their older siblings. This type of abuse is most common in younger tweens and teens, but once addicted users may continue their abuse of the substance well past adolescence.

Signs of Codeine Cough Syrup Abuse

If you have cough syrup in your medicine cabinet or anywhere in your home, it is vital to know the signs and symptoms of abuse. You can start by keeping your ears open and listening for the slang terms used to describe this substance, and you can continue by opening your eyes and watching out for the following:

• Sudden bouts of laughter and euphoria
• Dizziness and issues with balance
• Unexplained changes to vision, including possible vision loss
• Drowsiness and excessive sleepiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Possible seizures
• Hallucinations

If you notice any of these warning signs, you need to take action right away. These signs and symptoms can all be warnings of cough syrup abuse, but they could also indicate that the young people in your house have been experimenting with other types of drugs as well.

Treatment for Codeine Addiction at WhiteSands

If you are concerned that someone in your household has been experimenting with cough syrup or inappropriately using other household products, it is essential to take prompt action. The sooner you act, the better off they will be, so please visit our locations or give us a call today.

As a parent, you have a responsibility for your child’s health and well-being, and you also have the power to force them into treatment. Even if they deny they have a problem, it is important to be persistent and keep going. That innocent-looking cough syrup in your medicine cabinet could turn dangerous or even deadly when used to get high instead of just treating coughs.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.