Lean cough syrup gets its signature nickname, “lean or lean drink,” due to the coordination impairment that causes users to lean or feel off-balanced while under the influence of the drug. While it might seem harmless, abuse can lead to lean addiction and overdose.

If you have questions like “What does lean look like?”, “What does lean feel like?” or “What does lean do to you?” This guide explores these issues and more. You can also learn how to find compassionate and effective opioid or lean addiction treatment.

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What Is Lean?

Lean, also known as purple drink, is a harmful substance made from codeine cough syrup, soda, hard candy, and sometimes alcohol, mixed with the antihistamine promethazine. Opioids like codeine can change how the brain feels pleasure, causing the development of a dangerous lean addiction.

Teens and young adults often use lean recreationally, especially at parties or social events. The sweet taste of the soda and candy makes it more attractive to younger people. Additionally, lean is frequently mentioned in music and entertainment, which can encourage its use among young people.

Is Lean a Drug?

Lean is a combination of codeine cough syrup and other ingredients, meaning that while lean itself isn’t a drug, it does contain drugs and often alcohol. Codeine is an opioid and Schedule II controlled substance with a strong potential for abuse and addiction.

Using lean is highly dangerous due to its highly addictive potential, risk of health issues, and legal concerns.

What is in Lean?

“What’s in lean?” is a common search term online, among teens and parents alike. Typically, lean contains a combination of the following illicit drugs and sweeteners:

1. Codeine cough syrup
2. Soda
3. Candy
4. Promethazine

Some people also choose to add alcohol to lean drinks, while others add cough syrups that contain DXM (dextromethorphan). This creates a dangerous combination of extreme downers that can result in serious health problems.

What Does Lean Taste Like?

Lean tastes sweet and fruity due to the soda and hard candy mixed in. The cough syrup gives it a slightly medicinal flavor, but its sugary taste usually covers it up. This combination makes lean taste like a sweet treat, which is why some people find it appealing.

How Does Lean Make You Feel?

What does lean do, then? Lean got its name because it often makes people slouch or lean to one side after drinking it. This happens because lean contains codeine, which is an opioid. Like other opioids, codeine affects the brain and body in several ways.

When someone drinks lean, they might feel:

1. High: An artificial feeling of euphoria and pleasure.
2. Relaxed: A calming sensation extends throughout the body.
3. Tired and slow: Feeling very sleepy and moving more slowly than usual.
4. Irritable: Feeling easily annoyed or upset.
5. Dizzy and uncoordinated: Difficulty keeping balance and controlling movements.

The effects of lean usually start within 30 to 45 minutes after drinking it. The most potent effects happen 1 to 2 hours later and can last about 4 to 6 hours.

Lean can cause several dangerous side effects, including:

1. Slowed heart rate and breathing: Lean depresses the central nervous system, leading to a dangerously slow heartbeat and labored breathing, which can become life-threatening if it causes respiratory failure.
2. Seizures: Lean can increase the risk of seizures, especially for people who are already at risk. Seizures happen when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen.
3. Dental decay: The sugar in lean can damage teeth and gums, causing cavities and other dental problems.
4. Hallucinations: Some people might see or hear things that aren’t real, and these hallucinations can lead to risky and dangerous behaviors.
5. Impaired vision: Lean can make it hard to see clearly, causing blurry or double vision. This can lead to accidents and injuries.

Lean Statistics

Research shows that lean use is most common among teenagers and young adults, especially those between 13 and 21 years old. About 66% of people who use lean are in this age group. Boys are more likely to use lean than girls, with 75% being male.

Lean use is seen across different racial groups:

1. Black/African American: 29%
2. Hispanic: **28%**
3. White: **33%**

Many people who use lean also use other substances. For example, 83% also drink alcohol, and 46% use marijuana.

On the social media platform Reddit, 67% of people who use lean are male. Many of these people meet the criteria for severe substance use disorder, with 66% showing serious addiction problems. Additionally, 37% admitted to driving under the influence of lean.

Dangerous Lean Ingredients Combination

Lean, or purple drank, is made using a specific combination of ingredients that can have dangerous effects on your health. Mixing the ingredients in lean together is especially hazardous as all the substances are downers (aka central nervous system depressants). This means that the risk of respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, and overdose is very high when consuming it.

The main components of lean include:

1. Codeine
2. Promethazine
3. Occasionally alcohol or other drugs
4. Soft drinks and candy (for flavor)

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Different Types of Lean

Lean can be made in different ways, and each type can be dangerous. Here are some common types:

1. Regular lean: This is the most well-known version, a classic mix of codeine cough syrup, soda, and hard candy.
2. Lean with DXM: Instead of codeine cough syrup, some people use cough syrup with DXM. DXM is another drug that can cause drowsiness and hallucinations.
3. Lean with alcohol: Some people add alcohol to lean. This is the most dangerous form of lean because alcohol can increase the effects of codeine or DXM, leading to serious health risks.

Each type of lean can harm your body in different ways, so it is important to understand the risks and avoid these substances.

Is Lean Dangerous to Drink?

Yes, lean is very dangerous to drink. It contains codeine, which is an opioid that can slow breathing and heart rate. Consuming lean drinks can lead to serious health problems and even death. In many cases, medical intervention is required as lean can physically and mentally impair you to the point where you can’t call for help if you’re overdosing.

What Does Lean Do to Your Body? Effects of Lean

Lean affects your body in many harmful ways because of the codeine and promethazine it contains.

1. Heart and breathing problems: Lean can change your heart’s rhythm and slow your breathing, which can be dangerous and possibly fatal. Your heart might beat irregularly, and you might have trouble breathing.
2. Sedation and motor skills: Codeine and promethazine can make you feel very sleepy and relaxed. They can also make it hard to move and react quickly. This can make everyday activities like driving dangerous.
3. Body temperature: Drinking lean can disrupt your body temperature. You might feel very hot or very cold, which can be uncomfortable and signify other health concerns.
4. Constipation and vomiting: Lean can cause severe constipation, making it hard to have regular bowel movements. It can also make you feel very sick to your stomach and cause vomiting.
5. Seizures: Some people who drink lean might have seizures, which are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. This requires medical attention.

Risks of Drinking Lean

Drinking lean comes with many risks that can harm your body and mind. Here are some of the main dangers:

Addiction

Lean contains codeine, which can be very addictive. People who drink lean can quickly become dependent on it, leading to a cycle of drug abuse that is hard to break.

Respiratory problems

Lean can slow down breathing significantly. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory depression, where breathing becomes too weak to supply enough oxygen to the body, potentially leading to death.

Heart issues

Lean can affect your heart rate, causing it to beat too slowly or irregularly. Over time, this can lead to heart failure or other serious cardiac conditions.

Seizures

Lean can increase the risk of having seizures. This is especially dangerous for people who are already seizure-prone or have other underlying health conditions.

Dental decay

The high sugar content in lean can cause serious tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. The soda and candy used to make lean can erode tooth enamel, leading to long-term dental problems.

Mental health

Lean can cause hallucinations, making you see or hear things that aren’t there. It can also lead to increased anxiety and depression. These symptoms can lead to self-harm, risky behaviors, accidents, and injuries.

Digestive issues

Lean can cause severe constipation, which can be very uncomfortable and may lead to other digestive problems if not addressed.

Drinking lean is very risky and can cause long-term damage to your health. It’s essential to understand these risks and avoid using lean.

Lean Withdrawal & Detox

When someone stops drinking lean after using it for a while, their body can react strongly because it has gotten used to the drug. This reaction is called withdrawal. Here’s what happens during lean withdrawal and how detox can help:

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

1. Anxiety: Feeling nervous and worried.
2. Restlessness: Finding it hard to stay still or calm.
3. Muscle pain: Feeling aches and pains in your muscles.
4. Trouble sleeping: Having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and possibly throwing up.
6. Sweating: Experiencing more sweating than usual.

Detox is the process of helping your body get rid of lean safely. Here’s how the process works:

1. Medical care: Healthcare professionals monitor you to ensure your safety and can provide medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated helps flush out the drug.
3. Healthy eating: Eating nutritious meals to support your body’s recovery.
4. Rest and sleep: Getting lots of rest and sleep to help your body heal.
5. Emotional support: Talking to counselors and joining support groups to help you cope with the withdrawal process.

Detox can be challenging, but it is a fundamental first step toward recovery. After detox, ongoing treatment and support can help you stay sober and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Lean | FAQs

What is robotripping?

Robotripping is when someone abuses over-the-counter cough medicines containing DXM (dextromethorphan) to get high. It can cause hallucinations, dizziness, and other dangerous side effects.

When was lean invented?

Lean was invented in the 1960s in Houston, Texas. It became popular in the hip-hop community during the 1990s.

How can I tell if my child is drinking lean?

Signs your child might be drinking lean include drowsiness, slurred speech, slowed movements, and a sweet, fruity smell from their breath due to prescription cough syrup.

What are the treatment options for drinking lean?

Treatment options for lean addiction include medical detox, counseling, therapy, and MAT (medication-assisted treatment). Inpatient rehab programs can provide comprehensive care.

Is lean addictive?

Yes, lean is addictive. It contains codeine, an opioid that can lead to lean abuse, other drug abuse, and ultimately physical dependence and addiction.

What color is lean?

Lean is often called “purple drink” or “purple drank” because most cough syrups used to make it are purple.

How much is lean?

The cost of lean can vary depending on where you buy the ingredients. Cough syrup with codeine is usually the most expensive part because it requires a prescription. On the street, the price can be high due to its illegal status. A small bottle of prescription cough syrup can cost anywhere from $20 to $200 or more. The soda and candy are cheaper and can be bought at any grocery store for a few dollars. Overall, making lean can be quite expensive, primarily because of the cough syrup.

Is lean illegal?

Yes, lean is illegal due to the codeine and often other illicit substances content. If you’re caught drinking lean or operating a vehicle with lean in your system, you will be taken into custody, and the infraction will appear on your record in background checks.

Get Addiction Treatment for Prescription Drugs at Gratitude Lodge

If you or someone you love needs help getting back on track, choose inpatient lean addiction treatment at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have welcoming and inclusive luxury rehabs in Long Beach and Newport Beach that treat all addictions and mental health issues. We are happy to accept health insurance for addiction treatment.

Begin your recovery from opioid addiction with medical detox at one of our beachside rehabs. You can access medications and clinical care to make lean withdrawal as safe and comfortable as possible. After the detox process, you’ll move directly into ongoing treatment personalized to your needs.

Therapies may include:

1. Talk therapies
2. MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
3. Counseling
4. Family therapy
5. Holistic treatment
6. Group therapy
7. Aftercare

Get immediate help fighting lean addiction by calling 800-692-9850.

Sources

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22747535/