Whats in Lean: Dangerous Ingredients and Health Risks
Table of Contents Seeking Drug Or Alcohol Detox? Sullivan Recovery is a leading drug and alcohol detox in Mission Viejo, California. Call Today! Clinically Reviewed By: Rachel Sweet | LMFT Whats in Lean: Dangerous Ingredients and Health Risks Wondering what’s in lean? Lean, or ‘purple drank,’ is a dangerous mix of prescription cough syrup, soda, and candy. The key ingredients include codeine and promethazine, which pose severe health risks. In this article, we’ll uncover what’s in lean and its potential dangers. Key Takeaways Lean, a mixture of codeine cough syrup and soft drinks, poses severe health risks, including addiction and respiratory depression. Short-term use can lead to overdose and impaired judgment, while long-term consumption causes organ damage and mental health disorders. Prevention and education are vital in reducing lean use, especially among youth, through awareness campaigns and school programs. What is Lean? Lean, also known as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” or “dirty Sprite,” originated in Houston during the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1990s thanks to its association with hip hop music. DJ Screw, a prominent figure in Houston’s hip hop scene, played a significant role in popularizing lean. The term “lean” itself describes the tendency of users to sway or lean due to its sedative effects, especially when they drink lean drink. The drink consists of a mixture of prescription cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine, combined with soft drinks and candy to enhance its sugary taste. The presence of lean in popular culture has contributed to its appeal, particularly among young people who may not fully understand its dangers. The drink’s characteristic purple hue often leads to its street name “purple drank,” though its color can vary depending on the brand of cough syrup and soda used. Lean’s spread beyond Houston can be attributed to its mention in popular rap music, which glamorizes its use and downplays the severe health risks associated with it. Understanding the cultural and historical context of lean helps us grasp its pervasive influence and the challenges in combating its use. Ingredients in Lean The main ingredients in lean include codeine, promethazine, dextromethorphan (DXM), soft drinks, and various candies for flavoring. Each component plays a role in creating the euphoric and sedative effects associated with lean. Comprehending these ingredients helps reveal the full scope of lean’s impact on the body. Codeine Cough Syrup Codeine cough syrup is a key ingredient in lean, primarily responsible for its sedative effects. Codeine syrup is an opioid that acts as a painkiller and reduces coughing, making it a potent and addictive component of lean. The use of codeine based cough syrup in lean increases the risk of physical dependence, which can lead to severe health complications, including withdrawal symptoms if discontinued. The Controlled Substances Act classifies codeine as a Schedule II drug, indicating its high potential for abuse and addiction. Approximately 74.5% of individuals who consume lean report using codeine as part of their mixture. Initially prescribed to relieve pain and reduce coughing, codeine containing medications’ medical use has been overshadowed by its recreational abuse in lean. Promethazine Promethazine is another common ingredient in lean, often found in prescription cough syrups. As an antihistamine, promethazine can cause sedation and enhance the overall euphoric experience of lean. About 31.7% of lean users add promethazine to their drink, highlighting its role in creating the desired effects. Soft Drinks and Candy Soft drinks and candy are added to lean to improve its taste and appearance. Commonly used sodas include lemon-lime flavored options like Sprite or Starry, while candies such as Jolly Ranchers enhance the sweetness. These sugary additives not only make lean more palatable but also contribute to its appeal among young users. How Lean Affects the Body Lean consumption can have significant effects on the body, both in the short and long term. The drink’s combination of codeine and promethazine acts as a depressant, slowing down cognitive and physical functions. The overall danger associated with lean consumption extends beyond the initial high, potentially leading to permanent health consequences. Central Nervous System Depression Lean acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, slowing down brain and body activity. The initial feelings of calm and relaxation can be misleading, masking the potential for dangerous effects. Promethazine contributes to drowsiness, while codeine can lead to slouching or leaning to one side. Warning signs of a lean overdose include extreme sedation and the potential for seizures. The temporary euphoria experienced by lean users can quickly turn into lethargy and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. The depressant effects of lean can also significantly impair cognitive functions, leading to poor decision-making and risky behaviors. Respiratory Depression One of the most dangerous effects of lean is respiratory depression. Codeine, an opioid, can suppress breathing by depressing the central nervous system. In severe cases, untreated lean overdose can lead to respiratory failure, where breathing or heart function stops, resulting in death. Other Health Consequences Regular use of lean can lead to severe dental issues due to its high sugar content. The combination of cough syrup, soda, and candy creates an environment that promotes dental decay. Codeine can exacerbate these problems by causing dry mouth, further increasing the risk of tooth decay. In addition to dental problems, lean consumption can lead to various other health consequences, including liver and kidney damage, brain damage, and a range of other serious health issues. Understanding these health problems highlights the broader health risks associated with lean. Short-Term Health Risks The short-term health risks of lean are significant and can have immediate, life-threatening consequences. These include the potential for overdose, impaired judgment, and dangerous interactions with other substances. Overdose Risk Overdose is a serious concern associated with drinking lean use, particularly due to its opioid content. Consuming large amounts of lean or mixing it with other substances, such as alcohol, can easily lead to overdose. High doses of lean can lead to seizures and other severe complications. Impaired Judgment Lean consumption leads to impaired cognitive functions, resulting
