PURPLE DRANK: AN OLD PHENOMENON RETURNS

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Purple drank (PD), also known as "lean" or "sizzurp," is a recreational drug concoction.
• It typically contains codeine and promethazine hydrochloride, often mixed with soft drinks or alcohol.
• Originating in the 1960s, PD gained popularity in the 1990s as an inexpensive "poor man's drug."

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the increasing prevalence of Purple drank abuse.
• To investigate factors contributing to the underestimation of PD abuse rates.
• To highlight the public health implications of accessible recreational drug components.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on recreational drug use.
• Analysis of trends in the abuse of codeine and promethazine-containing products.
• Examination of pharmaceutical accessibility of PD ingredients.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests a rising number of Purple drank abusers.
• The easy availability of PD components in pharmacies may lead to underestimation of abuse.
• Adolescents and young adults are a key demographic for PD abuse.

Conclusions:

• The increasing abuse of Purple drank poses a significant public health concern.
• Accessible pharmaceutical ingredients for PD contribute to its widespread use and underreporting.
• Further research and intervention strategies are needed to address PD abuse, especially among vulnerable populations.