Understanding Lean and Purple Drank
What Is Lean?
Lean, sometimes referred to as purple drank, sizzurp, purple syrup, or dirty Sprite, is a combined mixture of prescription cough medicine containing codeine and promethazine, with soda.
People may concoct and drink this mixture for recreational purposes with the intention of getting high. In many cases, lean is glamorized in pop culture and the music scene, leading others to believe that this is a harmless practice. However, in reality, codeine is highly addictive, and misusing these substances is extremely dangerous.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, our team at Align Recovery Centers can help. Reach out today for more information.
What Is a Lean Drink Used For?
Lean is most often used for recreational purposes, with the intent of getting high.
This substance commonly leads to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or sedation. Some people may also experience a type of separation from reality.
Because of the effects, some individuals may use lean to try to self-medicate and escape from mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress (PTSD).
Is Lean Illegal?
Using the ingredients of lean, which include the controlled substance codeine, an opioid, without a valid prescription is illegal.
Obtaining, selling, or using codeine-containing cough medications without a prescription from a healthcare provider is also illegal.
What Is Lean and Six Sigma?
Lean and Six Sigma do not refer to a drug, but rather to a business improvement methodology.
The Ingredients Found in Lean
What Is in Lean?
Lean is a mixture containing prescription cough syrup and soda or candy.
The two ingredients within the cough syrup used for lean include codeine and promethazine. Codeine is a powerful opioid medication that is intended to be used to manage pain or suppress coughing. Promethazine is an antihistamine that often causes drowsiness and sedation.
What Kind of Drug Is Codeine?
Codeine is a powerful prescription opioid medication that is used to suppress cough or ease pain.
This drug is within the class of narcotic analgesics. It affects both the brain and nervous system, leading to a reduced perception of pain. Codeine use can also lead to sedation.
Misusing codeine could involve using it for the sake of recreational purposes, using it without a legitimate medical prescription, or using it in any way that goes against the instructions of a doctor. The misuse of codeine is a highly dangerous practice that can lead to addiction and serious health consequences.
Some of these health consequences may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dangerous levels of sedation
- Impaired judgement
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
Why Is Promethazine Added to Lean?
The drug promethazine is commonly added to lean to increase the side effects of codeine.
This could include increased drowsiness, relaxation, and sedation.
How Are Soft Drinks and Hard Candy Used to Make Lean?
Both soft drinks and hard candy are often used to dilute the cough syrup, making it taste better and easier to drink.
Soft drinks and hard candy can also be used to change the appearance of the substance. While lean is often referred to as “purple drink,” it is not always purple and can be made using various types of sodas or candies.
How Lean Affects the Brain and Body
What Does Lean Do?
Lean causes feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, and relaxation by slowing down the body’s central nervous system.
This substance can also lead to a wide variety of health side effects, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Reduced heart rate
- Loss of balance and coordination
How Does Lean Affect Heart Rate and Breathing?
Lean can lower both heart rate and breathing rate.
This is because lean contains codeine, which is an opioid that acts as a central nervous system depressant. Because it is also combined with promethazine, this can lead to even stronger effects.
How Does Lean Impact the Central Nervous System?
Lean acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing communication between the brain and the body.
Because of this, lean can impact breathing, coordination, and overall alertness.
Why Does Lean Cause Drowsiness?
Lean causes drowsiness because it contains two different drugs, codeine and promethazine, that both act as central nervous system depressants.
The Effects of Codeine and Promethazine Misuse
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Drinking Lean?
Short-term effects of drinking lean may include euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness, and sedation.
Many people might not realize that there can also be many undesirable side effects of lean, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Dangerous levels of sedation
- Risk of overdose
- Impaired coordination
- Trouble concentrating
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Lean Abuse?
Abuse of lean for a long period of time can lead to serious side effects, including an increased risk of addiction and overdose.
One of the reasons that long-term lean abuse increases this risk is that tolerance can build up over time. Therefore, an individual may require more and more of the substance to experience the same effects. This can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health.
Some potential long-term side effects of lean abuse may include:
- Memory problems
- Slowed thinking
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic constipation
- Digestive issues
Lean can also lead to consequences that are unrelated to health. This may include trouble keeping up with responsibilities or a decreased performance at work or school. It may also include relationship problems, financial stress, and even legal trouble.
How Do High Doses Increase Overdose Risk?
High doses of lean can increase the risk of overdose by not allowing the body the time or capability to process the effects of codeine.
As a result, the impact that the drug has on the brain and nervous system can become overwhelming, causing normal bodily functions to be affected.
An overdose can lead to side effects such as:
- Dangerously slow breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe sedation
- Weak pulse
- Respiratory failure
Certain factors can further contribute to overdose risk when consuming lean, including using lean alongside alcohol or other drugs, using lean in high doses, or using lean in consistently high doses.
Why Can Lean Cause Respiratory Depression?
One of the risks of using lean includes respiratory depression because it contains both codeine and promethazine, both of which can depress the central nervous system and lead to over-sedation.
Signs of respiratory depression may include:
- Reduced intake of oxygen due to slowed or shallow breathing
- Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
- Brain injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma or death
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of respiratory depression and to reach out for medical attention right away if someone is exhibiting these symptoms.
What Are the Signs of a Codeine Overdose?
One of the primary signs of codeine overdose is a lack of responsiveness.
The individual may appear to be unconscious or show little to no signs of breathing. They may also make strange gurgling sounds, feel cold to the touch, or have a blue or grey tint to their fingertips or lips.
Other signs may include:
- Drowsiness
- Trouble staying awake
- Pinpoint pupils
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed pulse
- Confusion or disorientation
Lean as a Recreational Drug Trend
Why Do People Drink Lean Recreationally?
Often, people drink lean recreationally to experience the euphoric effects or to feel relaxed.
How Has Social Media Influenced Lean Use?
Social media has glamorized lean use, in turn, leading to the false idea that lean is “cool” or safe to consume.
References to lean have been made in music, video games, and music videos. This may contribute to teens wanting to experiment with it to elevate their status or fit in. In many cases, young people might not be aware of the true dangers associated with this form of substance use.
Some of the risks associated with the way social media has influenced lean use may include an increased risk of opioid dependence and the spread of dangerous misinformation.
How Did Houston Influence Purple Drank Culture?
Houston influenced purple drank culture through its hip-hop scene during the 1980s and 1990s.
During this time period in particular, a lot of music was tied to the misuse of prescription cough syrup. Over time, this culture spread well beyond Houston.
How Have Rappers Like Lil Wayne and Three 6 Mafia Popularized Lean?
Both Lil Wayne and Three 6 Mafia have referenced lean by various names throughout their music and different interviews.
In many cases, they would refer to lean as “syrup” or “purple drank.” This led to the popularity and more frequent use not only of these terms but of the substance itself.
Prescription Cough Syrup vs. Over-the-Counter Products
What Is the Difference Between Prescription and Over-the-Counter Cough Syrup?
The primary differences between prescription and over-the-counter cough syrups include the ingredients themselves and the requirements for obtaining them.
Over-the-counter cough syrups may contain less potent ingredients and are generally considered safe if they are used according to the directions. Prescription cough syrups, on the other hand, are often associated with a greater risk of misuse, tolerance, and addiction. Therefore, they can only be used under medical supervision.
The cough syrup that is used in lean contains a highly potent and addictive opioid. It cannot be purchased over-the-counter and should only be used under medical supervision.
Can Dextromethorphan Products Produce Similar Effects?
Yes. Dextromethorphan is a drug that can be found in over-the-counter cough syrups but can produce some similar effects, especially if misused.
This drug is not an opioid. However, that does not mean it cannot be dangerous if it is not taken as directed.
Some of the side effects of dextromethorphan misuse may include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Dissasociation
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
Why Is Promethazine Codeine Cough Syrup a Controlled Substance?
Promethazine codeine cough syrup is a controlled substance because it contains codeine, which is a highly addictive opioid.
Can Cold Medicine Be Misused to Create Dangerous Combinations?
Yes, cold medicine, particularly those that contain codeine, promethazine, or dextromethorphan, can be misused to create dangerous combinations.
Lean Addiction and Substance Abuse
How Addictive Is Lean?
Lean is a highly addictive substance because of its potent ingredients.
What Are the Signs of Lean Addiction?
Some of the primary signs of lean addiction can include physical dependence, behavioral signs, and mental and emotional signs.
An individual with a lean addiction may experience cravings for the substance and may go to great lengths to obtain and use it, regardless of what the consequences might be.
How Does Lean Affect Mental Health?
Lean can lead to a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.
Is Lean Considered an Opioid or Opiate?
Lean is a combination of different ingredients, including an opioid called codeine.
Can Lean Lead to Other Forms of Substance Use?
Yes, lean can lead to other forms of substance use.
Some people may quickly develop a tolerance to the opioid in lean and may turn to alcohol or other drugs to try to experience the same effects. Others may turn to different prescription opioids or drugs like benzodiazepines, marijuana, or heroin.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Lasting Health Risks
What Are Common Lean Withdrawal Symptoms?
Common lean withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, cravings, nausea, restlessness, tremors, and fatigue.
How Long Does Lean Stay in Your System?
The length of time that lean stays in your system depends on how much of it was consumed, how frequently you use it, and your overall health, metabolism, and body composition.
Codeine can be detected long after its effects wear off. This could be up to 24 hours within the blood, 1-4 days in saliva, and 1-3 days in urine.
Can Long-Term Lean Use Cause Lasting Health Problems?
Yes, long-term lean use can lead to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular problems, mental health conditions, and cognitive and neurological effects.
It can also lead to addiction, an increased chance of addiction, and poor sleep and energy.
How Does Chronic Lean Abuse Affect Daily Life?
Chronic lean abuse can lead to many mental and physical health problems, as well as issues within relationships.
It can also make it difficult to keep up with personal obligations or to perform at work or school.
Treatment for Lean Addiction and Co-Occurring Conditions
How Is Lean Addiction Treated?
Lean addiction can be treated through a combination of medical detox, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and both individual and group therapy.
Why Is Medical Advice Important During Withdrawal?
Medical advice is critical for safe stabilization and management of withdrawal symptoms.
It is also important in reducing the risk of health complications or relapse and in addressing underlying mental health conditions.
What Therapies Help Treat Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conditions?
Some therapies that can be used to treat substance abuse and mental health conditions simultaneously include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed therapy, and individual and group therapy.
When Should Someone Seek Professional Health Care for Lean Abuse?
Someone should seek professional health care for lean abuse if they are struggling to quit using lean on their own, experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, or have experienced effects on their overall health or functioning.
Supporting a Loved One Struggling With Lean Abuse
How Can Families Recognize Warning Signs of Lean Misuse?
Families can educate themselves on the common physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs that are often associated with lean misuse and reach out to an addiction specialist with concerns.
How Should You Talk to Someone About Drinking Lean?
You should approach them in a calm and compassionate but direct manner and state your concerns about their substance use.
What Should You Do During a Suspected Overdose?
If you believe that someone is experiencing an overdose, you should call 911 right away, administer Naloxone if available, and stay with the person while doing your best to keep them awake.
To learn more about the signs of overdose, reach out to our team at Align Recovery Centers.
FAQs
Is purple drank the same as sizzurp?
Yes, purple drank and sizzurp are both terms used for the same combination of substances.
Why is lean sometimes called dirty Sprite?
Lean is often called dirty Sprite because Sprite is the most common soda used in lean mixtures.
Can lean be mixed with oxycodone or other opioids?
Yes, lean can be mixed with oxycode or other opioids.
Is lean more dangerous than other cough medicines?
Yes, lean is generally considered more dangerous than other cough medicines because it contains codeine, which is an opioid.
If you would like to learn more about what lean is, its side effects, and available treatment options, our team at Align Recovery Centers can help. Reach out to Align today, and we can answer any questions that you may have.