Lean Addiction Treatment
What is Lean, Is Lean Addictive, & How to Get Help
What is Lean?
“Lean” is the street name for a beverage that combines prescription-strength cough syrup (containing codeine or promethazine) and a soft drink like soda. It is also commonly known as:
- Sizzurp
- Purple drank
- Purp
- Oil
- Wock
- Texas tea
- And more
Signs of Lean Addiction
Both codeine and promethazine are controlled substances, which means that there is a high risk of physiological and physical dependence on these drugs. Signs of lean addiction can include:
Increased tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped
Depression and apathy
Anxiety and irritability
Withdrawal and isolation
Financial problems
Decreased sex drive
Lean Withdrawal Symptoms
Nausea
Chills
Muscle Aches
Depression
Difficulty Sleeping
Psychosis
Hallucinations
What is in Lean?
A street concoction, lean is often made from whatever users have at hand. The key ingredient is prescription-strength cough syrup, topped off with a soft drink like grape soda and a hard candy like a Jolly Rancher. Although they may come wrapped in a fruity package, promethazine and codeine are controlled substances for a reason: Codeine is an opioid just like OxyContin, and promethazine has antihistamine and antiemetic properties. In syrup, they are intended to act as a sedative, suppressing cough. However, they also induce a relaxed, euphoric feeling that is attractive to those who abuse the drug. Diluting the syrup with soda makes the taste more palatable and allows users to sip the concoction over a longer period of time.
Is Lean a Drug?
Cloaked in cutesy names and fruity flavors, lean may seem innocuous. However, the reality is that it is a highly addictive and highly dangerous drug. Lean contains the opioid codeine, which is derived from morphine. Codeine is a Class II Schedule Controlled Substance, which is one of the strictest rankings. That means it is much more addictive than other commonly abused drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or Tramadol, all of which are Class IV substances. For that reason, possession of codeine without a prescription is a misdemeanor crime. Simply having it on your person in North Carolina can lead to a sentence of up to two years in prison. There is also a high potential for overdose: The rate of accidental codeine overdose deaths more than doubled from 2000 to 2009. The rap songs that celebrate the use of lean often don’t describe those kinds of consequences.
Is Lean Addictive?
According to the DEA, Schedule II drugs like codeine are “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous.” For that reason, doctors that prescribe codeine do so very judiciously, with careful oversight of their patients and a tapering process to avoid addiction. When used as a party drug in lean, codeine is especially dangerous. Mixing it with soft drinks makes it easier to consume a larger amount over time, which can increase the possibility of addiction. Lean is also known for becoming very addictive very quickly. If you have been using lean and feel like you might be addicted, you’re probably not wrong.
Understanding "Red Lean"
Although commonly known as Purple Drank or Purp, lean also comes in a red form known as “Red Lean.” Red lean includes a red cough syrup containing Hi-Tech promethazine and codeine. It is cherry flavored, vs. the grape alternative, and is equally addictive and dangerous. Other terms for lean include
Dirty Sprite
Purple Lean
Texas Tea
Purp
Barre
Oil
Wock
Purple Drank
Sizzurp
Purple Tonic
Lean & Alcohol
Another dangerous variation of lean involves the addition of alcohol to the mix. Alcohol heightens the sedative effects of the cocktail, which can suppress respiratory rate and heart rate to dangerous levels. It also increases the likelihood that a user will develop a physiological dependence on lean, making withdrawal and recovery from addiction that much more dangerous and difficult. If you are abusing lean with alcohol, or know someone who is, don’t gamble with your life. Get help for lean and alcohol abuse and experience peak recovery.
Lean Overdose Risks
Technically, users who experience lean overdose are affected by the active ingredient, codeine. This has played a role in many high-profile overdoses and drug-related deaths. For example, the 2000 death of Houston rapper DJ Screw was attributed to lean abuse. Popular rapper Juice Wrld died of Oxycodone and codeine overdose in 2020.
Lean Addiction Treatment Near OKC
Lean addiction treatment serves multiple purposes: First, medical and professional support can help you navigate the detox and withdrawal process safely and securely. From there, you can explore the possible reasons for your lean abuse, and learn how to live in the world without drugs and alcohol. Most importantly, you’ll find a new community of healthy peers, and a passion for living that you might never have experienced. Our peaceful campus outside of Oklahoma City, OK, is a great place to start your journey.
What Happens in Rehab for Lean Near OKC?
Every individual is different, and every addiction treatment plan varies as well. Our Masters-level, dually-licensed clinical team works closely with each client to identify any substance use or mental health disorders — and to make a plan to treat them. That plan may include a variety of evidence-based modalities meant to help clients heal, such as attachment theory, adventure therapy, polyvagal theory, and more. Learn more about our treatment process at the link.
Addiction Treatment Near OKC
Country Road Recovery clients can find relief from a variety of substance use disorders, including
Adderall Addiction
Alcohol Addiction
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Cocaine Addiction
Crystal Meth Addiction
Fentanyl Addiction
Heroin Addiction
Marijuana Addiction
Nicotine Addiction
Opioid Addiction
Addiction to Other Prescription Pills
Xanax Addiction
Vaping Addiction
And More