Lean is a slang term describing a combination of cough syrup, an antihistamine, candy, and alcohol. Some people may also call this “purple drank.”

Lean contains cough syrup with codeine. Codeine is a dangerous, highly addictive opioid drug.

People who drink lean can develop serious problems, including addiction. People with opioid addiction typically require intensive treatment to stop using it. They also require ongoing treatment or support to avoid relapse after rehab.

This article will explore what lean is made of and its effects.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Compassionate treatment and support are available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What are the Ingredients in Lean?

Lean is a homemade drink that can have dangerous effects. The ingredients of lean include:

• Soda or soft drinks
• Hard candy
• An antihistamine called promethazine
• Prescription cough syrup containing codeine

Some people also add alcohol to this mixture, increasing the potential for dangerous complications.

There are other slang terms for lean, including:

• Jelly
• Texas tea
• Act
• Wock
• Tsikuni
• Mud
• Dirty Sprite
• Purple Drank
• Tuss (or Tussin)
• Syrup
• Barre

Lean is most popular among teens and young adults. These groups may hear about it in songs or other pop culture references. The drink appeals to younger people who might enjoy its sweet taste.

Lean contains dangerous ingredients that can increase the risk of complications and substance use disorder (SUD). Young people need to understand the health risks of consuming lean.

The Side Effects and Risks of Lean

Lean is a dangerous mixture of cough syrup, candy, alcohol, and over-the-counter medications. It gets its name from one of its most common effects. When people consume lean, the ingredients depress the central nervous system (CNS), causing sedative effects. People may lean or slouch while consuming it.

Lean contains two dangerous substances: codeine and promethazine. These drugs can cause euphoric effects but also have a high risk for abuse, addiction, and severe health complications.

Here is an overview of the effects of these ingredients.

Codeine

Codeine is a prescription opioid drug. Codeine is a controlled substance with a high risk of abuse and addiction. Potential side effects of codeine include:

• Drowsiness
• Euphoria
• Relaxation

Codeine abuse can quickly develop into a life-threatening addiction and other long-term consequences.

Promethazine

Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine that causes sedative side effects. People may abuse promethazine by taking it differently as prescribed or using it recreationally.

Promethazine’s side effects include:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Dry mouth
• Seizures
• Ringing in the ears
• Respiratory depression
• Abnormal movements
• Blood pressure changes
• Blurred vision
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Organ failure

Abusing promethazine can be life-threatening. People who consume lean are at risk of serious health complications. In some cases, promethazine abuse can be life-threatening.

Lean contains a dangerous mixture of prescription medications. Some people may also add alcohol, increasing the risk of immediate and long-term harm. People who abuse or develop an addiction to lean often require intensive treatment to stop using it safely. Then, they must receive ongoing support and recovery programs.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Lean Abuse: Recognizing the Signs

Lean contains codeine, which is a controlled substance. People who abuse codeine and other opioids can quickly develop a life-threatening addiction.

Opioid abuse can change how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is essential to watch for signs of codeine abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Common signs of codeine abuse include:

• Increased isolation
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using codeine
• Needing to take higher doses to get the desired effects
• Having cravings for opioids
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids
• Neglecting relationships, responsibilities, and hobbies because of opioid abuse
• Continuing to abuse opioids, even when it causes severe problems

People who develop codeine addiction usually cannot choose to stop using it. People with opioid addiction require intensive treatment, beginning with a medical detox program. Intensive treatment and ongoing support can help people overcome opioid addiction and move forward.

What Happens During Lean Addiction Treatment?

People who drink lean may become addicted to the ingredients it contains. People who develop codeine (opioid) or alcohol addiction may require intensive treatment to stop using it. They may also need additional support to avoid relapse in the future.

Lean addiction treatment may include:

• A medical detox program
• Medications and medical treatment
• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, mindfulness, and more
• Aftercare planning

It is essential to find comprehensive treatment programs to address the roots of addiction instead of treating only the physical aspects of SUD. Comprehensive treatment and support can help people identify and address the roots of their addiction. This allows them to work toward the healthier future they choose.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with lean addiction or substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our programs, verify insurance, or schedule an appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping With Mental Health Symptoms
2. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: “Purple Drank” (Codeine and Promethazine Cough Syrup): A Systematic Review of a Social Phenomenon with Medical Implications