Lean Addiction And Abuse

What Is A Lean Addiction?

Lean is an illicit substance made with Codeine, containing cough syrup, soda, hard candy, occasionally alcohol and the antihistamine, Promethazine. Codeine is derived from the Opium poppy plant (similar to Morphine) and is one of the weaker Opioids. However, it’s still highly addictive and potentially damaging to the body. It’s possible for an individual to develop a Lean addiction in a relatively short period of time due to the way Opioids short-circuit the brain’s reward response system.

Also known as Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Dirty Sprite and others, Lean became relatively popular in the late 90’s when rappers and other artists were referencing the drink in their music. Because it is not a packaged and sold product, the makeup and amount of the differing components vary significantly, which makes it quite difficult to study and fully understand all of the effects. It is possible to treat someone who is using Lean. Reach out to a treatment provider here for more information on treatment options.

Substance Abuse In Pop Culture

Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD explains the influence that the internet and social media have on young adults, adolescents, and teens when it comes to substance use.

View All Videos

Effects Of Lean Abuse

Lean is so named because of the effect it has on people who drink it — they tend to slouch or lean to one side the more they consume of the substance. The effects of Codeine are similar to those of other addictive Opioids (such as Oxycodone and Heroin). 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.

Possible Consequences Of Drinking Lean

Despite its glorification in popular culture, drinking Lean comes with a host of potential side effects and negatives outcomes:

Is Lean Dangerous To Drink?

Many Lean users underestimate the dangers of drinking Codeine. Abusing any substance is detrimental to one’s health, but Opioids are of particular concern because of the high risk of developing a tolerance and eventually addiction. As a tolerance to Lean builds, the body produces less and less of its own natural Opioids until it is entirely dependent on the foreign substance. This dependency compels the individual to consume more and more of the drug to get the same feeling or, in a majority of cases, just to feel normal.

The abuse of Opioids like Lean can also lead to life-threatening health complications and even fatal overdose. Upon consuming too much Lean, the brain is flooded with Opioid molecules and becomes unable to regulate its response or mitigate their effect.

“Robotripping” With DXM Cough Syrup

In some parts of the US, individuals are switching out the Codeine-based cough syrup and replacing it with over-the-counter cough syrup that contains Dextromethorphan (DXM). Utilized in over 120 cold medications, DXM is a cough suppressant that contains psychoactive properties and when abused, can produce mild to severe hallucinogenic effects. Drinking the DXM-soda-candy combo is known as “robotripping” because unlike Opioids that bind to pain receptors, DXM interacts with different neurotransmitters that respond to Hallucinogens like Ketamine or PCP. These substances are classified as dissociative because they cause intense “out of body” hallucinations.

Possible Consequences Of Robotripping

Lean Addiction Statistics

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Treating Lean Addiction

For an individual suffering from an addiction to Lean or any other Opioid, it can feel impossible to quit. Opioids are especially difficult to stop using on your own because of the addictive quality. The first step of treating a Lean addiction is to enter detox. Opioid treatment medications may be prescribed to reduce painful symptoms of withdrawal including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Detox may also reveal comorbid diseases or disorders (such as hepatitis or nerve damage). Accordingly, medically-supervised detox is integral in ensuring a safe and successful rehabilitation.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment For Lean Addiction

Ad

All Points North Lodge

Edwards , CO

View Center

Ad

Recovery Unplugged – Lake Worth Detox & Rehab Center

Lake Worth , FL

View Center

View More Treatment Centers

Find A Lean Addiction Treatment Program Today

If you’re looking for more information about treatment and rehab options for a Lean addiction, contact a treatment provider today.