Lean Withdrawals and Detoxing From Addiction
Going through withdrawals from a lean addiction can be particularly taxing. This is because the primary ingredient in lean is a synthetic opioid known as codeine. In addition, lean often includes alcohol, which can bring yet another level of danger when it comes to lean withdrawals. The key thing to consider is that when withdrawals from a lean addiction occur, it is a sign to get help and seek a safe, secure, and professional detox.
What Is Lean?
Many people have heard of “lean” but are unfamiliar with what it is. According to the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One, “The combination of codeine and promethazine often describes ingredients contained in the liquid concoction colloquially called ‘lean’ or “purple drank” or ‘sizzurp.’ Despite its significant cultural presence, there is a lack of studies examining national data concerning the use of lean. This concoction has achieved remarkable cultural prominence, as evidenced by its frequent mention in Billboard Hot 100 songs, even those peaking within the top 10 position.”
This last aspect is crucial in understanding the popularity of lean, especially among young people. Unfortunately, these young people are often unaware of how dangerous lean can be.
How Dangerous Is a Lean Addiction?
Lean can be extremely dangerous. It has many negative side effects that can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Perhaps the most dangerous side effect of lean is that it can be highly addictive. Meanwhile, when that addiction takes hold, serious situations like overdose and overdose death can occur.
There are also many other dangers associated with lean. The following are just a few of those dangers:
- Increased occurrences of anxiety and depression
- An increase in risky behaviors
- The potential for acquiring co-occurring mental illnesses
- Serious gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble breathing and tightness in the chest
- Alienation from loved ones
- An increased risk of self-harm
- Increase in suicidal ideations
- Seizures from lean withdrawals
Understanding Lean Withdrawals
Lean withdrawals can be particularly uncomfortable – even deadly. This is especially true if alcohol is part of the concoction, as alcohol withdrawal can also be deadly.
Lean addiction can also lead to something known as opioid withdrawal syndrome. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Opioid Withdrawal, by authors Shah and Huecker, “Opioid withdrawal syndrome is a life-threatening condition resulting from opioid dependence… Opioids include drugs such as morphine, heroin, oxycontin, codeine, methadone, and hydromorphone hydrochloride… When opioid withdrawal signs are present, pharmacological management of opioid withdrawal is needed.”
Because lean withdrawals can be so dangerous, a professional detox must be utilized. Not detoxing in a professional setting can lead to unnecessary physical and emotional pain. Furthermore, it can prevent fatal consequences that could otherwise occur from detoxing at home.
Does a Lean Addiction Require Detox?
The truth is that some people navigate their lean withdrawals without medical attention. However, this is never recommended. As previously mentioned, it can be extremely dangerous.
A professional detox can also be crucial because it helps individuals connect to the next stages of recovery. For example, some people will require residential care after detox because they require 24/7 attention to ensure their safety and help them avoid a relapse. There are also other types of recovery that people may utilize for lean addiction.
Recovery Options for a Lean Addiction
Some people choose to go into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) after they detox from lean addiction. This recovery program is helpful for individuals who can still function in their day-to-day lives.
Whether an individual chooses residential addiction care or an IOP, the recovery plans tend to be very similar (though they should always be individualized). These plans include the use of psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as helping people connect with other people in recovery.
Working with others in recovery can be vital for people recovering from lean addiction. As the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book) states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail.” Working with other people in recovery is also a great way to maintain long-term sobriety because it creates a network of people who can be relied upon when times get tough or an individual gets triggered.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that reaching out for help can be scary. However, we also know it is one of an individual’s best moves.
Recovery is about the journey, never the destination. This is why we always keep the future in mind while helping people get better “one day at a time.” Recovery and a new life are waiting. The key is taking that first step and asking for help.
Because the primary ingredient in lean is codeine, it can be crucial that an individual undergoes detox before starting the recovery process. This detox process should also be done in a professional setting to ensure that it is as physically, mentally, and emotionally painless as possible. 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 recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the dangers of lean withdrawals and the benefits of a professional detox, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
