Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.
Last reviewed on July 16, 2026
As we all know, popular trends can have a huge influence on our behavior. Young people are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure in this regard. If the music popular among their peers glamorizes substance misuse, they are at risk.
Rap culture has long influenced the attitudes of young people toward addictive drugs. A 2008 study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found a sixfold increase in drug references in rap music songs over the 1979–97 period. During this time, illegal drug use became increasingly linked to wealth, glamour, and social standing, marking a departure from earlier years, when rap music was more likely to have depicted negative consequences of drug misuse, according to study author Denise Herd.
“Rap music is especially appealing to young people, many of whom look up to rappers as role models,”
– Herd said.
The UC Berkeley study documented a threefold increase in mentions of marijuana and marijuana-stuffed cigars, or “blunts,” and noted marijuana’s association in those songs with creativity, wealth and status. Another substance popular with fans of rap music is codeine-laced cough syrup, so-called “purple drank” or “lean.” This homemade concoction of codeine (as contained in many cough medicines), a soda like Sprite or Mountain Dew, and Jolly Ranchers, is then typically sipped out of a double-stacked styrofoam cup. Many young people are completely unaware that codeine is an opioid that belongs to the same class of drugs as heroin. Many parents know very little about what’s going on in contemporary rap music.
In recent years, the negative consequences of drug worship have been exposed dramatically. The rapper Lil Peep fatally overdosed on fentanyl and Xanax in November 2017. His frequent use of a variety of illicit drugs was driven by mental health issues. The drug use of rapper Mac Miller was also largely driven by co-occurring mental health conditions. He died in 2018 from an overdose due to the mixed drug toxicity of fentanyl, alcohol, and cocaine.
For a long time, many rappers have positively portrayed substance use in their music. Currently, however, the tide is turning somewhat with several young rappers spelling out the severe consequences of addiction and mental illness in an effort to raise awareness and fight the stigma connected with substance use disorders.
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
Muir Wood helped my son tremendously in his recovering. He is leaving in high spirits. Lodi Thompson was excellent.
MC
Jul 2026
We found Muir Wood to be very transparent and more focused on the clients than on just driving there business forward. Our experience elsewhere was not so. Our son made progress after a long spiral downward, and their parent programs were very helpful too.
SL
Jul 2026
We couldn't have asked for a better program to support my son with his mental health. Even after discharge they are continuing to support him through the transition to his new provider.
TB
Jul 2026
We all had an absolutely wonderful experience at Muir Wood and I would send my son back in a heartbeat. From admissions, medical team, finance department, education team, therapists, parent teachers and to the exit crew. You all get the highest rave review!
JG
Jul 2026
Provided incredible support for my child
MN
Jul 2026
I highly recommend this treatment center for adolescent boys. My son did ask to go away for drug and mental health treatment at 17, which was an easier experience than if he hadn't wanted to go.
TB
Jul 2026
The change in my daughter is 180 degrees change
TJ
Jul 2026
All if the staff was amazing. However Ms. Lauresha was the cherry on top! She was amazing. She treated our son like her own! She got him to open up about so many things. He felt safe with her and he trusted her which allowed him to trust us.
KE
Jul 2026