Serious short- and long-term health consequences come from using this drug. That’s what it is–a drug, not a drink. Codeine is an opioid. Codeine is addictive.
Purple Drank is the newest drug problem facing America. Made by mixing cough medicine, Mountain Dew/Sprite, and Jolly Rancher candy to taste, it has become a favorite with hip hop stars and their fans. A potentially toxic brew, Purple Drank caused the deaths of hip-hopper DJ Screw and Pimp C.
“Children are putting their lives at risk by drinking Purple Drank.” Metro
The use of Purple Drank has leaked into NFL circles. Former San Diego Chargers defensive Terrence Kiel was jailed in 2007 for being in possession of Purple Drank. A year later, Kiel died in a car crash. Former Green Bay Packers’ Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison for violating parole that was connected to being in possession of Purple Drank. And former pro quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, was arrested for codeine possession.
Actions need to be taken. Player suspension is one option, but that occurs after-the-fact. Education is needed to show players just how serious it is, including how deadly it can be, ‘to go Lean.’ Screening is also needed–at all levels–from high school through the pros.
Why high school? Studies have shown that it’s not uncommon for Lean to be used by 5-10% of high school-age students, especially those who live in metropolitan areas. Its use is attractive, reports Northwestern Medical Center, because “codeine, the primary ingredient…has desirable effects. It is an opioid—a class of drugs associated with an extremely high rate of addiction. The highly addictive nature of opioids is due, in part, to their rewarding, pleasant effects such as euphoria, relief from tension and anxiety, and decreased aggression.”
But make no mistake about it: Purple Drank can cause short-and long-term health problems, including respiratory difficulties, and kidney and liver damage.
Just don’t do it!
