The Dangers of “Lean” Abuse
Reports from The National Institutes on Drug Abuse show that since the 1990s, deaths from drug overdose have skyrocketed. These numbers reached an all-time high in the middle of the 2020 pandemic.
It’s common for people to advocate against highly illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine. In reality, young people are discovering much more accessible drugs that can have the same dangerous side effects.
In this blog, we will cover:
- What is lean abuse?
- What are the other names for lean abuse?
- Why do people use lean?
- Why is lean abuse dangerous?
- Is there treatment for lean addiction?
What is “Lean” Abuse?
Lean, also known as purple drank, is an illicit concoction that combines cough syrup, soda, and hard candy, usually using Sprite and Jolly Ranchers. Some people will also switch out soda for alcohol, making the substance even more dangerous. Lean gained popularity through hip hop and rap artists, including Lil’ Wayne, Justin Bieber, and Soulja Boy, who glamorized the combination.
What are the Other Names for Lean abuse?
Besides being called lean, the recreational drug goes by several other names, including:
- Purple drank
- Sizzurp
- Texas tea
- Dirty Sprite
- Syrup
- Purple jelly/stuff/tonic
- Memphis mud
- Purp
- Player potion
Why Do People Use Lean?
The most common demographic to use lean are younger people, including teenagers and young adults. This is partly because of the easy access compared to other illicit substances, needing only soda, hard candy, and prescription cough syrup. Its target group is also a part of the generation that looks up to celebrities who have glamorized the substance, including top chart rappers and hip-hop artists.
Along with its easy access and glamour, the substance allows the user to achieve a high accompanied by extreme feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Because of the doses of Codeine in cough suppressants and the substance’s immediate effects and taste, lean is highly addictive.
Why is Lean Abuse Dangerous?
As mentioned above, the cough medicines used in lean contain Codeine, an incredibly addictive substance. Combined with the sweet taste and strong, long-lasting effects, you can quickly develop a codeine addiction.
As you continue drinking lean, the effects will become less effective and require a higher dose of cough syrup. This can easily lead to a lean overdose. If you switch out soda for or add alcohol to the mix, the risks for overdose become much higher.
Along with the risk of overdose, lean abuse causes long-term physical and mental health symptoms, some arising as quickly as following the first use.
Side Effects of Codeine Abuse:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Blurry vision
- Irregular heart rate
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- Slurred speech
- Memory loss
- Coma
- Life-threatening overdose
Lean abuse can gravely impact the user, but it can also put others at risk. The influence of lean impairs your judgment and can make even reserved individuals exhibit irrational and dangerous behavior. For example, driving while abusing lean can cause accidents due to its effects, especially when combined with drugs and alcohol.
Is There Treatment for Lean Addiction?
Regardless of how deep you are in lean addiction, there’s always a way out. Soul Surgery in Arizona offers professional treatment programs for individuals battling drug addiction.
There are consequences with substance use disorders regardless of your decision to undergo recovery or continue drug abuse. Our job is to help you recover in the most efficient and effective way possible.
We do this by utilizing the following addiction treatment tools:
- Meditation
- Sober Living
- Equine Therapy
- Inpatient Treatment
- Daily Group Therapy
- Residential Treatment
- Mental Health Treatment
- BioFeedback & Bio Sound Therapy
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- MedSpa Holistic Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Soul Surgery Integrative Medicine Addiction Centers
Addiction isn’t a fight fought alone; we understand the trials you are facing. We’ve developed addiction treatment programs to address your individual needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, please contact us today. Our team can provide information on our treatment centers and how to get started.
