Red Alert: Dirty sprite

A warning for parents about a drug cocktail growing in popularity among teens. It's called a "Dirty Sprite" or "Lean" -- among other names.

Teenagers are now experimenting with a drug cocktail that is made by mixing sprite, candy (Jolly Ranchers), and prescription medications including things like cough syrup with codeine, or crushed pain killer pills. In the teen population, this dangerous new mixture goes by names like Dirty Sprite, Lean, Purple Drank, and Sizzurp. Because the concoction, which has been popularized in music, includes prescription medications it can be addictive and deadly.

Behavioral specialists say about a third of kids screened have already tried the possibly poisonous mix. Medical professionals warn that the side effects of drinking this cocktail include hallucinations, rage, psychosis, and even death. Because teenagers are developmentally at a place where they feel invincible and invulnerable, they are especially prone to try drugs, thinking nothing can happen to them.

The key is for parents to get on their kids level. Do some research about these trends and talk to them. Step in before someone else does. They are going to find out what this is and they are going to hear about it from their friends...just as much as they hear about the latest movies. As you have heard from us over and over again, COMMUNICATE with your teen! Please take a moment and have a conversation with your child and warn them about this dangerous trend. Adults are also encouraged to lock-up or dispose old prescription medications (contact the Porter County Substance Abuse Council) to prevent kids from accessing them. 

The following information is provided by the Porter County Substance Abuse Council:
 
SIGNS YOUR TEEN IS USING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL & HELPFUL TIPS

• Pay attention to how cash is spent
• Beware of older friends and associates
  

• Pay attention to lack of emotion and a consistently negative attitude
• Keep track of mileage on vehicle
• Drastic change in style, such as clothing and music
• Missing spoons, torn up soda cans, little Ziploc bags, small pieces of foil
• Avoidance of conversation, claiming to be misunderstood
• Long sleeves or inappropriate clothing for the weather
• Sleeping more/or less than usual
• Always having somewhere to be, persistent telephone calls, anxious to leave any family event, constantly being preoccupied
• Upset stomach, nausea
• Bad acne outbreaks, UTI's due to toxins
• Consistently missing school on Monday, never Friday
• Females not menstruating regularly
• Valuable personal items come up "missing" or "borrowed"
• Always scratching; dry red nose and face
• Check cars, bedrooms, closets, trunks and stereos for drug residue and alcohol containers
• Seeds in car seat and in pockets.

For more information:
Porter County Substance Abuse Council
254 S. Morgan - Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 462-0946
Fax: (219) 465-3856

A Positive Approach to Teen Health offers “RED ALERTS” to parents, guardians, teachers and other youth service providers on a regular basis.  To sign up for our email alerts, please visit www.postiveteenhealth.org and click the “sign up for more info” button.