Lean Addiction And Abuse

What Is Lean?

Lean, also known by the popular street name “purple drank,” is an illicit substance made with codeine, containing cough syrup, soda, hard candy, occasionally alcohol, and the antihistamine, promethazine. An individual can develop a lean addiction in a relatively short period due to how opioids impact the brain’s reward response system.

While lean is a drug used by people of all ages, it’s most used by teens and young adults at parties or in social settings. There are many reasons why young adults and teenagers more commonly use lean. For one, the mixture of soda and hard candy with codeine may be more appealing to younger individuals for its sweet taste. However, what may be even more of an influence is the prevalence of lean in pop culture, specifically in the music and entertainment industries.

Effects Of Drinking Lean

Lean gets its name from the effect it has on people who drink it: they tend to slouch or lean to one side the more they consume the substance. The effects of codeine are like those of other addictive opioids (such as oxycodone and heroin). Some common effects of lean include euphoria, relaxation, feeling tired and slow, irritability, and experiencing dizziness and loss of coordination.

Typically, its effects begin to kick in within 30 to 45 minutes, though differing amounts of codeine in lean (sometimes up to 25 times the recommended dose) can shorten onset times. The peak effects begin 1 to 2 hours after ingestion and last about 4 to 6 hours. Some serious side effects of lean include the following.

Slowed Heart Rate And Breathing

Because the main component of lean, codeine, is an opioid, it can cause many of the dangerous effects associated with drugs like fentanyl, OxyContin, and heroin. Of the many dangerous effects of lean, one of the more potentially dangerous is its ability to slow a person’s heart rate and breathing.

Decreased heart rate and respiratory depression can both be dangerous on their own and are the primary cause of death by overdose. This is because opioids like codeine can slow a person’s heart or breathing to a point where they eventually stop breathing, which, if left untreated, can cause death. The presence of alcohol or other drugs in lean can increase the likelihood of respiratory depression, increasing the chances of overdose or death.

Seizures

Drinking lean has been associated with an increased risk of seizures, particularly in those who may already be at risk. Experts believe this is due to the opioid-like effect lean has on the heart and lungs, which can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to seizures.

Dental Decay

The sugary concoction of cough syrup, soda, hard candy, and alcohol can cause tooth decay, especially for those who drink lean regularly. For those who may not take regular care of their teeth, such as young adults or teens, the carbonation and sugar found in lean can take a serious toll on oral health. Additionally, the use of opioids like codeine can cause dry mouth, which can lead to an increase in the number of harmful teeth and gum-damaging bacteria.

Hallucinations

One of the more severe side effects of drinking lean is the potential for hallucinations. Hallucinations are sensations or perceptions that aren’t real. These sensations can make someone believe they’re hearing, seeing, feeling, or smelling something that isn’t there. While experiencing a hallucination, a person is more likely to engage in risky behaviors, which can lead to physical harm or even assault.

Impaired Vision

Opioids like codeine, even in small amounts, can impair a person’s vision. This impairment can cause blurry vision, seeing doubles (also called diplopia), or difficulty seeing in the dark. This can increase not only the likelihood of accidental falls or injuries but also car accidents, which can often be fatal.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Lean Addiction

Is Lean Dangerous To Drink?

While some the ingredients used to make lean are legal when prescribed by a doctor, it’s important to note that lean is not safe to drink under any circumstances. Codeine is a Schedule II drug, as listed in the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has both a high potential for abuse and addiction and is only intended for prescribed medical uses such as relieving mild pain or reducing coughing. Other ingredients commonly used to make lean, such as promethazine or alcohol, are both widely available without a prescription.

Despite its glorification in popular culture, drinking lean comes with a host of potential side effects and negative outcomes. There have been several prominent music artists, many of whom promoted or talked about the use of lean in their songs, who have passed away as the result of an overdose involving the drug concoction. The most notable of these unfortunate overdoses is the late rapper and singer Juice WRLD, who died of a codeine overdose in 2021, just days after his 21st birthday.

Conversely, some music artists and rappers have spoken out about the dangers of drinking lean. In a radio station interview, rapper Trippie Redd said, “Don’t do lean. Please don’t do lean. That stuff is liquid heroin. Don’t do it.” In a 2023 interview, rapper Lil Durk also shared that he stopped “sipping lean” because of the negative effects it had on his energy and mental state.

Unfortunately, young people still see other artists speaking about drug and alcohol use in a positive light, and may feel pressured to do the same to fit in. Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD, addiction medicine specialist of over 20 years, explains how pop culture and social media have influenced teens’ and young adults’ perceptions of drugs like lean and how dangerous these influences can be.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Drinking Lean?

Due to its prominence in pop culture, lean is most abused by teens and young adults. This can pose a serious concern to parents who may suspect their child is using drugs or alcohol. If your teen is using lean, it’s important to not wait to seek help. Abusing dangerous drugs like opioids as a young adult can result in long-term negative health effects. To learn about treatment options for yourself or a loved one, call a treatment provider for free today.

If you’re concerned about your child, here are a few signs they may be using lean.

You Notice Missing Drugs

Many of the components needed to make lean can be found in most household medicine cabinets. Antihistamines like promethazine, sold under the brand name Phenergan, can be bought over the counter and are commonly used to treat allergies, nausea, or insomnia.

If your child is attempting to make lean, they might try and take drugs like Phenergan, or similar antihistamines, from your medicine cabinet. You may also want to keep an eye on any alcohol you may have in the house, as it is sometimes mixed with lean to increase its effects.

You Notice Behavioral Changes

Behavior changes are a common sign that your child may be experiencing a substance use disorder. Some of these changes may be subtle, while others may interfere with their ability to perform daily tasks. Some signs your child may be using lean include:

• Acting despondent, aggressive, or angry
• Sleeping more than usual
• Dropping old friends for a new friend group
• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Weight loss

Your Child Is Using Drug-Specific Language

If you suspect your child may be using drugs like lean, a potential indication may be the language they use while online or when talking with friends. If you believe your child is using lean, some language you may want to look out for may include some of the following.

When referring to lean itself, teens or young adults may refer to it as:

When talking about using or obtaining lean, teens or young adults may use phrases like:

• Robotripping: Refers to using dextromethorphan (DXM) to get high.
• Dexing: A similar phrase to robotripping that refers to using DXM to get high.
• Tussin: Refers to the act of drinking Robitussin or other cough syrups in order to get high.

Your child may also use a variety of emojis or icons to avoid being detected when talking with friends about lean. Some of these emojis may include:

• Grapes
• Purple hearts
• Baby bottle

What Is Robotripping?

Robotripping is a slang term used to describe the intentional and illicit misuse of dextromethorphan (DXM), an over-the-counter cough suppressant, to achieve euphoric and hallucinatory effects, which emerge in 30-60 mins and generally peak at 2-4 hours.

Robotripping typically involves consuming large volumes of liquid cough syrup (commonly Robitussin, which is where the name is derived from) but also refers to the abuse of tablet and gel capsules.

This practice is extremely dangerous, as taking DXM in large quantities causes many adverse physical and psychological effects such as psychosis, heat stroke, liver damage, and respiratory depression, which can lead to overdose if left untreated.

What Treatment Options Are Available For Lean Addiction?

There are many options available for those struggling with an addiction to lean. This includes a variety of treatment methods that can range from talk therapy to inpatient rehab.

Therapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or just therapy, is when a licensed therapist meets with an individual or group to address behavioral issues and create goals for overcoming them. Therapy is a core part of substance abuse treatment, as it is essential to uncover the original reason someone began abusing drugs or alcohol, and help them create new, healthy coping mechanisms.

There are a variety of effective therapeutic methods that may be used to help someone with a lean addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and even art therapy can help people change their behavioral patterns. Therapy may be conducted at a therapists office, online, or at a drug treatment facility. Many people prefer online therapy, as it allows for discrete and flexible appointments from the comfort of your own home.

Teen Treatment For Lean Addiction

For teens that need intensive care, there are many licensed outpatient and inpatient treatment programs that cater to the teen and young adult age group. Many treatment facilities across the country specialize in treating teens and young adults with substance use disorders and even specialize in treating opioid-related addictions.

These facilities typically work closely with families, which is often an important part of their treatment planning for young people. Additionally, these facilities may also be gender-specific, which may be helpful for teens or young adults who may be dealing with substance use or mental health disorders.

Adult Treatment For Lean Addiction

While lean addiction typically affects younger individuals, it’s important to remember that anyone can become addicted. For those who have become dependent on lean or other substances, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to help manage withdrawal symptoms. This can be done at a hospital or treatment facility where trained medical staff can monitor you 24/7 for any serious withdrawal symptoms.

After detox is completed, entering a treatment program at an inpatient or outpatient facility may be recommended, depending on the severity of the addiction. During treatment, a multidisciplinary team of nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and other professionals can help you work through the underlying causes of addiction and help you build proper coping mechanisms to help you stay sober once you leave.

Reach Out For Support Today

To find a rehab near you, explore the rehab directory today. For more information on treatment for lean addiction, such as information on how to pay for treatment, detox, and treatment programs, call a treatment provider for free.