I've had the idea to write an article about purple drank (otherwise known as sizzurp, dirty Sprite, or lean) for a long time. I could have written an article after the recent passing of emerging rapper Lil Peep. But sadly, substance abuse (not just with lean) is still something that is celebrated within modern rap culture.

Purple drank is a concoction of prescription-strength cough medicine and various inexpensive ingredients like soft drinks and candy. The cough syrup, which contains codeine, is masked by the soft drinks and candies that make the concoction taste very sweet. That is what makes lean extremely dangerous because the user doesn't know how much codeine is really in his or her drink.

Glorification of drugs in hip-hop dates back to as early as the 1980's, but substances like painkillers and purple drank weren't heavily referenced until the early 2000's; the latter being popularized by the late DJ Screw. Today, the former has cemented its place in Soundcloud anthems aplenty...at least, for now.

Unfortunately, this glorification could influence many ordinary people to start using and abusing these drugs. It even has consequences within the realm of hip-hop stars, too. For example, platinum-selling artist Lil Wayne is one of the most well-known examples of rappers who consume lean on a regular basis, and it's not without its detriments. In his words, attempting to withdraw feels like "death in your stomach".

When lean is mixed with alcohol, it becomes even more deadly. If you get behind the wheel (don't EVER do this), the chances of getting into an accident increases.

If, after learning this, you really need any more convincing as to why you should never consume purple drank...well, to put it simply, people actually die from this stuff. If even Boosie Badazz, one of the most influential Southern rappers of all time, says that purple drank is absolutely horrible for you, that should tell you something.

Now that this lesson is over, I want to talk briefly about prescription drugs like opioids and CNS depressants like Fentanyl and Xanax. Fentanyl, for example, is more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine. Xanax, usually used to treat severe anxiety, is dangerous because of its super-relaxing effects. Lil Peep died at the young age of 21 from overdosing on both of these.

I don't want this article to sound like a straight-up cheesy 80's PSA to not even think about taking these things. But given how addictive and dangerous these substances are, the facts don't lie. Your favorite rappers cannot make drinking lean or popping Xanax entertaining.

Addiction is a mental illness. Just as you shouldn't judge those who have bipolar disorder, try not to judge someone who has an addiction problem. They may need your help more than you think.

If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. You are never alone, and you will get through this.

This article is dedicated to Nick DeMato. Your spirit lives on forever.