In recent years, a substance commonly referred to as “drank” has gained notoriety, particularly in music and pop culture. Drank, also known as “lean,” “purple drank,” or “sizzurp,” is a concoction made from prescription-strength cough syrup, soft drinks, and, often hard candy. While it may seem innocuous or even trendy in certain circles, the reality is that drank poses serious health risks and carries a high potential for addiction.
In this article, we will explore what drank is, its effects, the dangers associated with it, and how to seek help for addiction.
What is Drank and What is in It?
Drank typically consists of prescription cough syrup that contains codeine and promethazine, mixed with a sugary soft drink like Sprite or Mountain Dew. The addition of hard candy, such as Jolly Ranchers, gives the mixture its trademark sweet flavor and vibrant color. Codeine is an opioid, which provides a euphoric high, while promethazine is an antihistamine that can induce sedation. Together, these substances create a potent cocktail that slows down the central nervous system.
Alternative Names for Drank
Drank is a concoction with many names, so it may also be referred to as:
- Lean: Refers to the way people tend to lean or slump after consuming the drink due to its sedative effects. The term highlights the physical impact of the drink, as users often appear lethargic and unsteady, which can lead to dangerous situations if they attempt tasks requiring coordination.
- Purple Drank: Named after the distinct purple color imparted by many cough syrups and the candy used in the mixture. This vivid hue has become a signature characteristic of the drink, contributing to its allure and association with glamorized visuals in pop culture.
- Sizzurp: Popularized in hip-hop culture, this term emphasizes the drink’s deep ties to music and nightlife. Songs and social media often depict sizzurp as a status symbol, further embedding it into the entertainment world despite its dangerous effects.
While its origins trace back to the Southern rap scene of the 1990s, drank has transcended its cultural beginnings and gained widespread attention—often glamorized without adequate discussion of its risks.
The Danger of Drank
One of the most concerning aspects of drank is the accessibility of its ingredients. Prescription cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine is intended for medical use, but some individuals obtain it illegally or through fraudulent prescriptions. The other components—soft drinks and candy—are readily available at any grocery store, making it easier for people to experiment with the substance.
The seemingly harmless appearance and sweet taste of drank often mask its dangerous potential. Codeine, an opioid, can slow breathing to dangerously low levels, particularly when taken in large quantities. Promethazine enhances these effects, increasing the risk of respiratory failure. Over time, frequent use of drank can lead to dependence and addiction, making it difficult for individuals to stop using the substance even when they recognize its harmful consequences.
How Drank Affects the Body
The effects of drank are primarily tied to its impact on the central nervous system. People who consume drank may experience:
The codeine in drank interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors, creating a feeling of relaxation and happiness that can be intensely rewarding, contributing to its addictive potential. Users often seek out this fleeting sense of calm as a way to escape stress or emotional pain. However, since this sense of euphoria is entirely connected to the drug, it’s a fleeting feeling.
The combination of promethazine and codeine induces drowsiness and profound relaxation, often leading to a semi-conscious state. While this may feel pleasurable to some, it impairs cognitive functions and awareness. This makes activities like driving or operating machinery incredibly dangerous.
These symptoms result from the central nervous system’s slowed functioning. Speech becomes sluggish, and users’ ability to coordinate their movements diminishes. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries while under the influence of drank.
At higher doses, codeine suppresses the respiratory centers in the brain, slowing breathing to dangerously low levels. This effect is particularly deadly when drank is consumed alongside alcohol or other depressants, as it raises the dosage of the depressants. This can lead to fatal respiratory failure.
Drank can lead to significant organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys. The strain from metabolizing codeine, combined with the toxic effects of excessive sugar and additives in the mixture, puts these organs at risk. Chronic use may result in serious conditions such as liver fibrosis or kidney failure.
The risk of overdose is especially heightened when drank is combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. These combinations amplify the depressant effects on the body’s systems, often overwhelming them and leading to potentially fatal outcomes. It’s popularity within party scenes can also normalize its consumption, leading to more use.
Long-term use of drank is associated with persistent mental health challenges. Individuals may experience depression and anxiety as the brain becomes reliant on drank to regulate emotions. This dependency makes it difficult to cope with stress or find pleasure in everyday activities without the substance.
Signs of Addiction to Drank
Recognizing the signs of addiction early is crucial for seeking timely help. Common signs of addiction to drank include:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing larger quantities of drank to achieve the same effects.
- Obsessive Focus: Spending significant time and resources obtaining ingredients or consuming the substance.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to the effects of drank.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological discomfort when not using the substance.
- Health Decline: Noticeable weight loss, fatigue, and frequent illnesses due to the strain on the body.
- Social Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family to hide usage or avoid judgment.
- Financial Problems: Spending excessive amounts of money on ingredients or related expenses.
- Risky Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence, such as driving or mixing with other drugs.
Drank may appear harmless at first glance, but its risks are real and potentially life-threatening. By understanding what is drank and its signs, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Recovery from addiction is within reach, and with the right support, a healthier, brighter future is possible.
Withdrawal from Drank
Withdrawal from drank can be an arduous and emotionally taxing process, especially for individuals who have used it heavily or over an extended period. The body’s dependence on codeine and promethazine means that suddenly stopping or significantly reducing intake can lead to intense physical and psychological discomfort. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and Restlessness: Many individuals report feelings of intense worry, irritability, and an inability to stay calm.
- Insomnia or Disrupted Sleep: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common, which exacerbates fatigue and emotional distress.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive upset often accompanies withdrawal, making it harder to maintain hydration and nutrition.
- Muscle Aches and Cramps: Physical discomfort, including joint and muscle pain, can make the withdrawal period feel unbearable.
- Intense Cravings for the Substance: The desire to use drank again to alleviate these symptoms can be overwhelming.
- Sweating and Chills: Withdrawal may also cause episodes of excessive sweating or chills as the body struggles to regulate itself.
- Mood Swings and Depression: Psychological symptoms, including bouts of sadness and emotional instability, are prevalent during this stage.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on factors like the duration and frequency of use, as well as the user’s overall health. In many cases, medical supervision and a structured detox program are necessary to ensure a safe and successful withdrawal process.
Seek Healing from Drank Addiction at Cypress Lake
Overcoming addiction to drank requires a combination of medical intervention, emotional support, and behavioral therapy. At Cypress Healing, we specialize in helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Medical Detox: Ensuring a safe and comfortable withdrawal process with 24/7 supervision.
- Family Therapy: Strengthening relationships and addressing dynamics that contribute to or are affected by addiction to support long-term recovery.
- Holistic Treatments: Incorporating practices like mindfulness, yoga, and nutrition to promote overall well-being.
- Aftercare Support: Helping clients transition back into their daily lives with continued guidance and resources.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to drank, know that healing is possible. Contact us today to begin the journey toward recovery.
