Lean Drink: 8 Shocking Facts You Need to Know

Lean drink, also known as purple drank, is prevalent among young people, and widely used in the entertainment and music industries.  But, few people heed the warnings regarding the risks of using this toxic mixture.  

Anyone who engages in recreational drug use should learn the facts about lean to avoid the serious side effects that can be life-threatening.  Here are some facts about lean you need to know.

1. What Is Lean Drink?

The term lean comes from the slouched or leaning position a person ends up in after drinking the substance.  Lean drink is another term for purple drank which is cough syrup, codeine, promethazine (antihistamine), and hard candy mixed with soda, juice, or alcohol.

Other names for lean drinks include sizzurp, syrup, Texas tea, purple tonic, and dirty sprite.  Lean is often glamorized as a recreational beverage.  But, it is far from harmless.  The main ingredient, codeine, is an opioid.  Mixing any opioid with other substances creates a deadly central nervous system depressant.

The main components of lean drink are legal when prescribed by a physician:

• Codeine – An opioid that is used medically as a pain reliever for mild to moderate pain, cough suppressant, and cold medication.
• Promethazine – Promethazine is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
• Dextromethorphan (DM) –  A non-narcotic cough suppressant.

Although the components are often prescribed by a doctor, it’s important to know that the health risks of using the illicit forms can lead to severe side effects and fatal overdose.

2. Why Do People Use Lean?

Lean is popular in settings like hip-hop music events and EDM (electronic dance music) parties.  People who drink lean experience feelings of relaxation, heightened mood, and euphoria.  

Effects of lean drink may also include:

• Loss of coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sedation
• Increased body temperature
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Respiratory depression
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Although people of all ages use lean, it is mostly popular among teens and young adults who like the sweet taste of the concoction.  However, just one sweet sip can lead to complications. 

Typically, the effects of lean drink begin within 30 to 45 minutes and will peak around one to two hours, and continue for approximately four to six hours.

3. How Long Does It Stay in Your System?

The length of time the drug remains in a person’s system is determined by various factors such as age, weight, frequency of use, and size of dosage.  Furthermore, the duration also depends on the different substances used in the drink.  For example, codeine can be present in urine for up to 48 hours and in the saliva for up to 21 hours after the last dose.  It can also be detected in hair up to 10 weeks after use.

4. Is Lean Drink Addictive?

The main component of lean is codeine, which is a Schedule II controlled substance.  This means it has limited medical use and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Lean affects the brain’s reward system and tolerance builds quickly leading a person to seek larger doses to get the desired effects.  

5. Do Lean Users Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?

Like other opioids, codeine produces withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.  The symptoms will vary from person to person, but the most common lean withdrawal symptoms include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Sleep disturbances
• Fever

Professional detox is recommended due to the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms.  Medications like Methadone and Buprenorphine help manage the symptoms by blocking the opioid effects.

6. Short-Term Side Effects of Lean Drink

Lean drink produces short-term side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Changes in blood pressure
• Slowed heart rate
• Urinary tract infection
• Weight gain

The side effects vary in intensity depending on age, physical health, duration of use, and dosage size.

7. Long-Term Side Effects of Lean Drink

In addition to the short-term effects, lean can cause long-term side effects such as:

• Liver damage
• Psychosis
• Epilepsy
• Brain lesions
• Tooth decay

Some of the long-term side effects of lean may be irreversible.

8. Signs and Symptoms of Lean Overdose

Make sure you and your friends know the signs of lean overdose if you use recreational drugs.  Knowing when to call for emergency medical care may save someone’s life.  You should be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Confusion
• Breathing problems
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Cold, clammy skin
• Irregular heart rate
• Tremors
• Seizure
• Coma

Seeking help immediately may prevent brain damage, damage to other organs, or death.

Treatment for Lean Drink Addiction at Design for Change

Treatment for lean drink addiction is most effective when the program is customized to fit the individual’s specific needs.  At Design for Change, our full continuum of care can be structured to accommodate each person’s situation.  

We offer various treatment options including detoxification, outpatient programs, inpatient programs, partial hospitalization, aftercare services, and more.  

Click on this link to learn more about our comprehensive treatment options such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Dual-diagnosis Treatment
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Music and Art Therapy
• Group and Individual Counseling
• Holistic Treatment
• Family Therapy

Design for Change is state-licensed and JCAHO-accredited to ensure the highest level of care.  We work in-network with many major insurance companies to provide affordable, quality treatment for our clients.  

Get in touch with our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about our programs.  

 

Sources:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping with Mental Health Symptoms

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Use of “Lean Among Electronic Dance Music Party Attendees