Lean, also known as purple drank, dirty sprite, or sizzurp, is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-strength cough syrup with soda, and sometimes hard candy. The cough syrup typically contains codeine, an opioid that acts as a pain reliever and cough suppressant, and promethazine, an antihistamine that enhances the effects of codeine.
Lean has been popularized in music and pop culture, but is it still something that people use today? While codeine-containing cough medications are no longer available over-the-counter, you might be surprised to learn that lean is still very much a thing, especially among young people.
What is in Lean?
Lean drink is usually made with these three ingredients:
- Prescription cough syrup. The primary ingredients in prescription cough syrup are codeine and promethazine. Codeine is an opioid that can create a sense of euphoria when consumed in high doses, while promethazine acts as a sedative and anti-nausea agent.
- Soda. Typically, a sugary soda like Sprite is mixed with the cough syrup to dilute its bitter taste.
- Hard candy. Sometimes, hard candies like jolly ranchers are added for additional flavor and color.
When you mix these ingredients together, they typically form a purple color, hence the name “purple drank.” However, some other forms of lean include hydrocodone instead of codeine, producing a yellow concoction instead of purple. It’s even possible to make lean from over-the-counter cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan (DXM). Even DXM carries the potential for abuse and dependence.
Why Do People Drink Lean?
Lean is often sought after for its sedative and euphoric effects. People who drink lean often describe feeling relaxed and sleepy, and they might even have a sense of detachment from their surroundings. The high from lean can last for several hours, but it comes with many risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, and even overdose.
Another reason why people drink lean is because the ingredients are often easy to obtain. Everyone has easy access to soda and hard candy, and cough syrups can be found in most households. Fortunately, codeine-containing products now require a prescription, making it harder to get. Even regular cough medicines containing DXM cannot be sold to individuals under 18, unless they have a valid prescription, and identification must be checked.
Young people may also be drawn to lean because it tastes sweet, comes in fun colors like neon purple, and has the illusion of being “safer” than other illicit substances like cocaine or heroin. It’s also been glorified in various songs, and some celebrities have shared photographs of themselves drinking lean.
Is Lean Still Popular?
Lean’s popularity peaked in the 2000s, especially when it was referenced by artists like Lil Wayne, DJ Screw, and Three 6 Mafia. While its popularity has waned over the years due to growing awareness of its dangers, it still has a presence in some music scenes and subcultures. Social media has also contributed to lean’s use. At the very least, it’s important to be aware of this substance and the dangers it can cause, as opioids like codeine can be addictive. If you know someone experiencing a substance use disorder, you’ll want to make sure that all cough medicine is stored and locked up properly.
Risks and Dangers of Lean
There are numerous risks associated with lean such as:
- Addiction. Codeine is an opioid, and repeated uses of lean can lead to physical dependence and addiction, just like other opioids. In other words, codeine-containing cough syrups are no safer than hydrocodone or oxycodone.
- Respiratory depression. High doses of codeine can slow down breathing to dangerous levels, which can lead to coma or death, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol.
- Overdose. Drinking too much lean can cause an opioid overdose, which happens when the body is overwhelmed by codeine. Symptoms include slowed heart rate, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
- Mental and physical health issues. Long-term use of lean can lead to memory issues, confusion, and severe constipation. Additionally, the high sugar content can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes.
Get Help for a Lean Addiction in Santa Rosa, CA
Drinking lean might not seem like a big deal, but an addiction to opioids can be serious and life-threatening. And, when you consider that lean often contains up to 25 times the recommended dose, you could be much more dependent on the substance than you’re aware. Fortunately, there are effective tools for fighting an addiction to codeine, including medication-assisted treatment and therapy.
Pura Vida Recovery has all the tools you need to successfully recover from an opioid use disorder. We have various levels of care, allowing you to start your journey with us and eventually step down to outpatient rehabilitation. With our caring, licensed professionals, family support, medication management, and wide range of therapies, we look forward to seeing what you can accomplish at our recovery center. Contact us today at 707-879-8432 to learn more.
