Lean is a recreational beverage that combines prescription-strength cough syrup with soft drinks or hard candy for added flavor. This concoction has gained popularity, particularly among young people, as a means of achieving a euphoric high. However, this practice can lead to significant health risks and is closely associated with prescription drug abuse and codeine addiction. Understanding what lean is and its implications is crucial for addressing these dangers and promoting effective opiate addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. At Recovery Ranch PA, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for those struggling with substance abuse issues, including the misuse of lean.
What Are Other Names for Lean?
Three 6 Mafia’s 2000 hit “Sippin’ On Some Syrup” helped popularize lean. Rappers have glorified and rapped about the concoction for over 20 years, furthering its reach.
People drinking lean typically have trouble standing and often lean to one side or the other, hence the name. Lean also goes by the following names:
- Purple Drank, Stuff, or Sprite
- Sizzurp
- Drank
- Dirty Sprite
- Barre
- Texas Tea
- Memphis Mud
These street names are often used to conceal the true nature of the beverage and make it more appealing to young people. It’s essential for individuals, especially parents and caregivers, to be aware of these alternate names to recognize potential warning signs better.
What’s in Lean?
Lean is typically a mix of prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine with soft drinks or hard candy. Codeine is an opiate that can produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria when consumed in high doses. Promethazine is used to treat cold and allergy symptoms but can also enhance the effects of codeine. The soft drink or hard candy serves as a masking agent to help disguise the unpleasant taste of cough syrup. Due to the mix of soda, candy, and syrup, it has an intensely sweet flavor.
Cough syrups used in lean are Schedule V drugs that are only legal when prescribed by a doctor. However, individuals often obtain them illegally or fraudulently through prescriptions. Non-medical use of these drugs, especially in combination with other substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines, can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose.
What Are the Dangers of Drinking Lean?
Lean has several effects on the user. The promethazine from the cough syrup acts as a relaxing sedative, while the codeine gives a euphoric feeling. This feeling lasts between three to six hours. The adverse consequences of consuming lean include:
- Drowsiness and sedation, making it difficult to function normally
- Slurred speech and impaired motor skills
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Mental confusion and disorientation
- Respiratory depression or slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening
The use of lean significantly raises the risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. Codeine is highly addictive, and regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Over time, individuals may require higher doses to achieve the desired effects or may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Mixing lean with other substances like alcohol or prescription drugs can amplify its harmful effects and increase the risk of overdose. Additionally, it’s often hard to know the exact amount of each drug in a cup of lean, as people typically mix ingredients without measuring.
How Can Opiate Addiction Treatment Help?
Recovery Ranch PA offers a comprehensive treatment program in Pennsylvania. Our opiate addiction treatment center in Wrightsville, PA, provides evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of substance abuse disorders. Our services include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Music therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
We also offer gender-specific treatment options with men’s and women’s rehab programs. Caring professionals customize all levels of treatment, from detox to sober living, for your best chance at sobriety after overcoming opiate addiction.
Connect with Recovery Ranch PA and Start Opiate Addiction Treatment in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one partakes in lean drinking, please contact Recovery Ranch PA online or call 717.969.9126 to learn more about how we can help clear your path to sobriety. Get started on recovery and sober living by contacting our addiction treatment experts today.
