Do You Want to Know What is Sizzurp?

Parents are typically the last to know about the ins and outs of the younger generation’s drug use. Case in point is the question related to purple drank a.k.a. sizzurp. So, what is sizzurp? Well, it starts with a can of soda and continues with codeine-laced cough syrup and a dose of promethazine, an antihistamine.

A Drug Cocktail That’s More Dangerous Than it Sounds

Who hasn’t had a slightly larger dose of a codeine-containing cough syrup at one point? Physicians quickly prescribe these products when standard over-the-counter remedies don’t work for cold or a cough. But when discussing what is sizzurp, it pays to consider the fine points.

For starters, the product contains codeine, which is a habit-forming opiate that causes sensations of euphoria. The antihistamine, just like codeine, can be a system depressant, which slows down breathing and other vitals. When people mix the substances at high doses with a caffeinated soda, they can achieve a euphoric effect. Those who mix it with alcohol do so for its dissociative feeling.

Is it Addictive?

In the course of student addiction treatment, therapists note that the mix itself is not a habit-forming drug. That said, its components, most notably the opiate codeine and alcohol, are two addictive substances. In addition to containing two known addiction-causing drugs, the mix also has deadly qualities.

Mixing the codeine and antihistamine with alcohol or soda can mask the taste of the substances. This, in turn, can fool the user into thinking that she or he is taking far less of the drugs than is actually true. Because overdosing is a very real danger, a common cause of death is respiratory depression and subsequent cardiac arrest.

You pass out and never wake up. Your breathing slows gradually until it stops. This is what happens during an opiate overdose. Shortly after that, your heart stops beating.

Why is There no Rehab for Sizzurp?

What is sizzurp but a mix of habit-forming substances? Because it isn’t a drug with a standard formulation – everyone mixes it differently – there’s no specific rehab program. There are rehab treatments for the mixture’s individual components, however. An opiate or alcohol addiction treatment includes:

• Dual diagnosis treatment and analysis to treat any mental health issues alongside the addiction.
• Residential drug rehab treatment programs that assist with building life skills and focus on relapse prevention.
• Group therapy and individual counseling to help you with your resolve to overcome a dependence on substances.
• Fitness therapy to help you gain a long-term vision for your health and overall well-being.
• Family therapy to assist younger people struggling with an addiction to receive the at-home support they need.

What is Sizzurp? Now That You Know the Answer, Get Help!

Did you ask, “What is sizzurp,” because you believe a loved one may be participating in this dangerous party craze? Do you need to talk to someone about getting a drug and alcohol addiction treatment for yourself? At Beaches Recovery, caring therapists work with people ready to let go of addictive substances to achieve recovery and healing. Call us today at 866.605.0532, and change your life!