People constantly come up with new and creative ways to take drugs. One drug that has gained a lot of popularity in the hip-hop community is Lean. It begs the questions, “What is Lean?” and “Why is it so dangerous?” Answering these questions can teach people why it’s important to get professional help for a Lean addiction.
What Is Lean?
Lean is the name of a special drink that contains prescription-strength cough syrup and soda or fruit punch. Young people add the prescription-strength cough syrup because it contains liquid codeine, which is a strong opiate. The drug relieves throat pain for people with persistent coughing.
Under normal circumstances, prescription cough syrup is safe to take. To discourage people from drinking too much, it generally doesn’t taste good. However, young people mask the taste with soda or fruit punch. The result is a dangerous cocktail that varies in strength depending on who makes it.
While most Lean drinks contain liquid codeine, some people mix other drugs like cocaine or even PCP. Some people even use large amounts of over-the-counter cough syrup to achieve the same effect.
Why Is Lean So Dangerous?
Lean is dangerous for a number of reasons. First of all, liquid codeine is highly addictive. It’s especially dangerous for teens and young adults. Once they start drinking lean, they can’t seem to quit.
Drinking large amounts of codeine is also dangerous. This drug is also easy for kids to overdose on because there’s no quality control. People never know how much codeine is actually in the cocktail. They often overdose on their first glass because they can’t handle a large amount of codeine.
Growing in Popularity
Unfortunately, this drug cocktail continues to grow in popularity. Many experts blame hip-hop and rap artists who reference the dangerous drug. Lil Wayne, Pimp C and DJ Screw have all felt its negative impact. Pimp C and DJ Screw eventually died as a result, while Lil Wayne ended up in the hospital.
Lean has a number of names, including Triple C, Purple Drank, Sizzurp, and Robo. Some songs that talk about drinking Lean include:
- “Sippin on Some Sizzurp” by Three 6 Mafia
- “Purple Swag” by A$AP Rocky
- “Dirty Sprite” by Future
- “Purple Stuff” by Big Moe
- “Molly With That Lean” by Soulja Boy
These are just a few examples of the many popular songs that young adults listen to. Each of them openly talks about drinking it despite it being illegal. Many experts fear that it teaches young adults that it’s fine to drink this dangerous mix.
What Are the Side Effects of Lean?
Aside from the fact that it can make you fall over, this drug can cause you to struggle with blurred vision and slurred speech. Many users see a decrease to their heart rate and their body temperature. Furthermore, it can even slow down your entire respiratory system, making it hard to breath.
Those who drink lean often want to relax or feel some kind of euphoria. Unfortunately, any potentially desirable effects are small in comparison to the negative symptoms. Drinking lean can cause dizziness, memory problems, constipation, urinary tract infections and even a coma.
Is Lean Addiction Possible?
Since the primary ingredient in lean is codeine, which is an opiate, addiction and codeine withdrawal symptoms are absolutely possible. Drinking lean on a regular basis can often lead to chemical dependence. Over time, tolerance can build up to lean’s effects. That means users will drink more and more in order to experience a so-called high.
Once you’re addicted to lean, consuming more of the drug will be your first priority. Focusing on anything else, whether that’s your family or your job, will be challenging. Once an addiction to lean develops, many users will also increase their risk of overdose. Too much of this beverage can lead to a coma, breathing problems and even death.
Rehab for Lean Addiction in Asheville, NC
At Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, we pride ourselves in providing effective addiction treatment services for all clients. We offer:
- Rehab treatment program that mimics an inpatient environment without the cold residential treatment feel
- Evidence-based behavioral addiction therapy
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Compassionate family therapy program
Don’t live another day with the despair that your addiction puts you through. Get the help that you need today, and head down the path to recovery. Contact Crest View Recovery Center today at 866-327-2505 for more information.
