Lean is the slang term for a combination of codeine cough syrup, alcohol, an antihistamine, and candy. Some people refer to this combination of substances as “purple drank.”
Codeine is a highly addictive and dangerous opioid medication. People who drink lean may develop an addiction that requires drug abuse treatment and continuing support.
This article will explore what lean is and the effects of codeine abuse. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of lean
- How lean abuse and addiction occur
- What happens during lean addiction treatment
- Where to find treatment programs to address lean abuse
If you or someone you love abuses lean or other substances, you are not alone. Help is available at The Living Room. Reach out to our intake team to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
What is Lean?
Lean is a dangerous, illicit substance that contains:
- Prescription cough syrup containing codeine
- Soda or soft drinks
- Hard candy
- An antihistamine called promethazine
Some people also add alcohol to this dangerous mixture.
Other common slang terms for lean include:
- Purple drank
- Syrup
- Jelly
- Dirty Sprite
- Tussin or Tuss
- Texas tea
- Mud
- Barre
- Wock
- Act
- Tsikuni
Teens and young adults are the most likely groups to abuse the lean drink. Young people may like the drink’s sweetness that comes from the hard candy it contains. Or, they may use it because of the influence of lean in pop culture.
The Dangerous Side Effects of Lean
Lean gets its name from one of its most common effects. When people drink lean, they may slouch or lean to one side as they consume higher doses of this dangerous drink.
Lean contains codeine and promethazine, which can both have dangerous side effects when people abuse them. Here is an overview of the risks and effects of these substances.
Codeine
Codeine is an opioid pain reliever. While it is less potent than morphine or codeine, it is still a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction.
The side effects of codeine include:
- Relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
People may like the way they feel while taking codeine. Repeated abuse can lead to tolerance, meaning they need to take high doses to get the desired effects. Over time, heavy codeine use can lead to physical dependence.
Promethazine
Promethazine is an antihistamine, meaning it blocks the body’s production of histamine during an allergic reaction. People may take it to manage allergies, motion sickness, and other conditions.
Promethazine can also make people drowsy or relaxed. Medical professionals sometimes offer promethazine to patients with insomnia or anxiety before a medical procedure. Some people abuse promethazine for its sedative effects.
Common side effects of promethazine abuse include:
- Ringing ears
- Breathing problems
- Abnormal movements
- Blood pressure changes
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision
- Nightmares
- Dry mouth
- Bruising
- Sun sensitivity
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Seizures
- Overexcitability
- Organ failure
Promethazine abuse can cause severe, even life-threatening, health problems. Combining promethazine and codeine can result in dangerous symptoms and a higher risk of overdose.
Adding alcohol to lean makes it even more dangerous. People who develop an addiction to lean face the risk of overdose and other serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
Understanding Lean Abuse and Addiction
Lean contains codeine, a Schedule II controlled narcotic. Abusing codeine may lead to codeine addiction and dependence.
Codeine abuse and addiction can change a person’s appearance, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Recognizing these changes can help you seek treatment for opioid abuse as quickly as possible.
Some signs of codeine abuse include:
- Neglecting relationships and responsibilities
- You experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking codeine
- Having cravings for codeine or other opioids
- Needing to use higher doses to get the desired effects
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting more codeine or recovering from using it
People with opioid addiction will continue to use opioids, even when their substance use causes serious problems. People with lean addiction require comprehensive treatment and continuing recovery support.
What to Expect During Lean Detox
Lean contains codeine, which is an opioid medication. People who drink lean may become addicted to the codeine it contains.
People who become addicted to codeine or other opioids require comprehensive support during detox. An opioid detox may include:
- Medications to reduce cravings and other lean withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including group and individual counseling
- Education
- Holistic therapies, including acupuncture, nutrition support, mindfulness, etc.
- A safe, secure environment
- Round-the-clock access to treatment and support
After completing detox, it is crucial for people to continue in a comprehensive rehab program. Getting holistic treatment can help people address and heal the complex roots of their substance abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with lean abuse or substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Contact the intake team at The Living Room to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping With Mental Health Symptoms
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Codeine Information
- NIH: Promethazine
- FDA: Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution