Can You Overdose on Lean?
Lean (also known as purple drank, sizzurp, syrup, and Texas tea) is more dangerous than many people may think. Unfortunately, many people may minimize the dangers of lean because it is often positively represented in popular culture. This is especially true in youth and music culture. However, what isn’t portrayed in popular culture is that you can overdose on lean. Further, sometimes those overdoses can even be fatal.
Better Understanding Lean
Lean is a recreational substance that is a mix of the opioid known as codeine, an antihistamine known as promethazine, soda, and candy. Additionally, lean also often contains alcohol. It is often used as a party drug.
The ingredients in lean that cause the euphoric effect that many people seek are codeine and promethazine. According to the peer-reviewed journal, PLoS ONE, “Codeine, historically obtained naturally from opium poppy plants but now synthesized from synthetic morphine, has long been used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant… Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine that helps in alleviating allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Additionally, promethazine possesses anticholinergic properties, contributing to its sedative and antiemetic effects.” Codeine and promethazine are also the most dangerous ingredients in lean (though alcohol, if included, is undoubtedly dangerous as well).
The Dangers of Lean
According to the peer-reviewed journal, JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, “Prescription opioid misuse, defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as ‘the use of medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited’, has doubled over the past 10 years. The rapid rise of prescription opioid misuse has been identified as a key public health problem by the 2016 US Surgeon General and is the subject of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act signed by President Obama in 2016.” This includes the identification of the dangers of an overdose on lean.
There are many dangers of lean. These dangers can be physical, mental, and emotional. The following are just a few examples of these dangers:
- Having gastrointestinal problems, including extreme constipation
- Trouble with memory and cognitive ability
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Feeling anxious and depressed
- Exhibiting dangerous outbursts and mood swings
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Trouble with eating and sleep patterns
- Feelings of self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
- The potential for co-occurring mental illnesses
- Physical dependency (addiction)
If any, many, or all of these side effects are present, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. Of course, all of these negative side effects pale in comparison to the potential of an overdose on lean, which can ultimately be fatal.
Symptoms of Lean Overdose: Bluish fingernails and lips, slow or labored breathing, cold and clammy skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, and weak pulse are some of the critical signs that an overdose may be occurring. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Additional Long-Term Risks: In addition to the immediate dangers, Lean use can lead to serious long-term health issues such as dental decay from the sugary concoction, hallucinations, seizures, and impaired vision. These effects can significantly diminish the quality of life and increase the risk of accidents or fatal incidents.
Understanding Lean’s Popularity in Pop Culture
Lean has become increasingly popular, especially among young adults, due to its frequent mention in music and entertainment. Many artists have either glorified or denounced Lean in their work. For instance, the rapper Juice WRLD, who passed away due to a codeine overdose, is one of the most notable cases that highlight the fatal consequences of Lean use. On the other hand, artists like Trippie Redd and Lil Durk have publicly spoken out against the use of Lean, warning about its dangers.
Despite these warnings, the allure of Lean remains strong, particularly because of its prevalence in pop culture. Understanding this influence is crucial in addressing why Lean remains a popular but dangerous choice among many.
Can You Overdose on Lean?
The answer to the question, “Can you overdose on lean?” is certainly. Codeine and promethazine are dangerous controlled substances that are meant for serious medical purposes only. When they are misused, there is no longer any oversight or control involved, and this can quickly lead to an overdose.
It can also be very easy to overdose on lean because the illicit substances are masked by the flavors of candy and soda. This makes lean “easier” to drink, which can cause an individual to drink much more than they anticipated. When alcohol is in lean, it becomes even more dangerous and more likely to cause overdose.
Furthermore, it is also not uncommon for lean to contain traces of fentanyl, which can also very quickly lead to an overdose. Fentanyl is finding its way into many illicit substances because dealers view fentanyl as a cheap additive that can mimic the euphoric effects of other substances. The issue is it is very deadly, especially to individuals who are unaware that they are even taking it.
Preventing Lean Abuse and Seeking Help
If you suspect that a loved one is using Lean, it is important to act quickly. Signs of Lean use can include missing medications, sudden behavioral changes, and the use of specific language or emojis related to Lean.
Signs of Use:
- Missing Drugs: Look for signs that medications like promethazine are missing from the medicine cabinet.
- Behavioral Changes: Be aware of shifts in mood, increased sleep, or withdrawal from social activities.
- Drug-Specific Language: Watch for terms like “purple drank” or “sizzurp” and related emojis like grapes or baby bottles.
Prevention Tips:
- Secure medications: Keep a close eye on any medications in the house and store them securely.
- Monitor behavior: Pay attention to changes in behavior or mood that may indicate drug use.
- Discuss risks: Have open conversations about the dangers of Lean and other substances.
Recovering After an Overdose on Lean
After an overdose on lean, many people understandably seek treatment. This treatment usually involves a detox, therapy, and work with other people in recovery.
As with any overdose, after an overdose on lean, the main goal is to get physically healthy again. This is where a safe, secure, and professional detox can come in handy.
The next two essential components of recovery after an overdose on lean is to get to the underlying issues of what is really going on (it is rarely the substance on its own), and to find a group of people that can be relied upon for long-term recovery. Getting to the underlying issues can be achieved through participation in psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Meanwhile, working with others can be achieved by attending recovery meetings (such as 12-Step meetings).
The Importance of Long-Term Recovery at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term recovery over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans include goals for the future and where you see yourself in long-term recovery.
Recovery is possible. An overdose on lean does not have to be the end. The key is to make it the start of a new healthier, happier beginning.
While lean may have many soft-sounding names (purple drank, sizzurp, syrup, and Texas tea), it is actually very addictive and very dangerous. These dangers include physical detriments, emotional tolls, and negative mental effects. Lean use also brings with it the risk of overdose and overdose death. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about the dangers of lean and how to best recover from addiction, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
