Mix of Sprite and Prescription Drugs, a.k.a. Dirty Sprite Becoming More Popular Among Young People

As the epidemic of prescription drug abuse becomes worse across the country, South Carolina and other southern states are seeing a growth of a popular consumption method called “Dirty Sprite.”

The concoction mixes prescription drugs, usually codeine, a Jolly Rancher, and Sprite together. The mix is normally referred to as Dirty Sprite, but was popularized in the early 2000’s in a Lil Wayne song which called it “purple drank” and “sizzurp.”

“Pretty soon it appeared on YouTube. Technology took over and kids thought it was a pretty cool thing to do and a pretty cheap high,” explained Carol Reeves, director of the Greenville Family Partnership, an organization in South Carolina dedicated to eradicating drug use, including prescription drug abuse, in local youth.

“They don’t think that’s drug use. Those are prescribed for people. Those come from pharmacy. Doctors,” said Reeves.

News about the dangerous cocktail comes as South Carolina, and other states in the US, gear up for a national prescription drug take-back day on Saturday, September 27th. People with unused prescriptions, especially prescription painkillers or anti-anxiety medications, can return those drugs to pharmacies. This action is one of the most important ways of preventing drug-seeking behaviors. Many prescription drug abusers in the US steal their drugs from family members and friends, who either currently need the drugs, or have the drugs sitting unused in their medicine cabinets after partially using the prescription.

Drug take-back programs, often hosted by pharmacies, have seen great success in the last several years. Last April, for example, a nationwide prescription drug take-back program at 6,100 sites collected 390 tons of unused prescription drugs. In the past 4 years of hosting take-back programs, the DEA has collected 4.1 million pounds of unused prescription medications.

On Monday, September 8th, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Obama Administration issued new regulations to help prevent prescription drug abuse, which include allowing pharmacies to pick up unused prescription painkillers.

“Every day, this crisis touches — and devastates — the lives of Americans from every state, in every region, and from every background and walk of life,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder. “Through new DEA regulations, patients will be allowed to more easily join the fight against prescription drug abuse by dropping off their leftover medications at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other ‘authorized collectors.’”

Meanwhile, local advocates urge parents to check in with their children, and make sure kids, teenagers, and young adults understand the dangers of prescription drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and other forms of drug abuse.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Prescription Drug Abuse Charges

If you have received criminal drug abuse charges, or are suspected of abusing prescription drugs, you are not automatically guilty, and you do not give up any of your rights. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help defend you. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Do not let criminal drug charges such as trafficking or possession ruin your reputation and career prospects. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.