What is a Lean Drink? Purple Drank Dangers
A Lean Drink is a mixture of codeine cough syrup with a soda. The mixture of Codeine cough syrup, Promethazine, and sodas come in various forms, and go by different names. There are numerous slang terms for a lean drink which include, purple drank, Sizzurp, Syrup, Drank, barre, purple jelly, Texas tea, Dirty Sprite, and Tsikuni. Regardless of the mixture it produces the same effects. Which are similar to using other opioids such as prescription medications, and heroin.
Where did Lean Drink Originate?
According to Elite Daily, “For well over a decade now, the influence of prescription cough syrup has been a highly glamorized and extremely dangerous part of hip-hop”. The lean drink began as a form of getting high with the trend of southern hip hop, and is still a prominent part of hip hop culture. “ Rappers like UGK, Juicy J, Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane all made lean part of their sounds and even mainstream acts like Justin Bieber and Macklemore started messing with it”. Lean Drink is glorified, and rapped about in much of hip hop music. As ABC News states, “It’s more than a drug; it’s a culture. It’s what’s known on the street as “Lean,” a highly addictive cocktail of cough syrup, cold medicine, alcohol and candy — so potent it makes you “lean” over when high” (Hughes). The drug is glorified through its sedative effects similar to those of many opioids. This being that codeine is a major ingredient in the drink.
Effects of Lean Drink / Purple Drank / Dirty Sprite?
The effects of lean drink create a euphoric buzz lasting three to six hours, depending on how much the user consumes. Narconon.org, states that, “ It is common for the high associated with this combination to be called a “swooning euphoria.” The combo also has a sedative effect and makes a person woozy”. However, the drink may create numerous pleasurable effects, but there are many negative effects that couple end up leading to fatality. The article goes on to list the following negative side effects of consuming lean drink, and other cough syrup / Soda variations. The article includes the following side effects: “Constricted pupils that do not respond well to light,
Rough, raspy voice, Slow, slurred speech, Uncontrolled eye movement, Droopy eyes, Slowed heart rate, Drowsiness, Loss of balance, Loss of coordination, Paleness, Constipation, Urinary tract infection, Dental problems, Addiction”.
Celebrities that Have been Hospitalized Because of Lean Drink?
Numerous Rappers, and Hip Hop artists have been hospitalized because of the effects of lean, consuming too much, and over a long duration of time. For lil Wayne, he was hospitalized after collapsing on stage from suffering multiple seizures. After doctors ran tests they found high amounts of codeine in his bloodstream, which resulted from consuming excessive amounts of purple drank. In an article published on Hiphopmyway.com they state that, “He’s almost died multiple times after suffering seizures due to his epilepsy that is triggered by lean. After being hospitalized numerous times, doctors have warned him about the drug, but Weezy can’t seem to part from his double cup”. Likewise, Lil Boosie almost died nearly three to four times consuming lean drink. The cough syrup mixture can create fatal consequences for the user.
Can Using Lean Drink lead to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
Lean is extremely dangerous and can lead to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a life threatening neurological disorder. Includes symptoms such as sweating, unstable blood pressure, high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. Wowremedies.com discusses the fatal consequences of lean drink and states that, “NMS as a result of lean drink, involves symptoms such as clouded thinking, hyperthermia, seizures, sweating, stiff muscles, and rapid heart rate which can result in death”. The lethality of lean drink because even more deadly when it leads to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
What are the Dangers of Lean Drink?
Lean is extremely addictive, dangerous, and easily accessible. The combination of cough syrup, and soda are easy for any user to access. The additive components that are incorporated into the drink can be purchased from any store, and by people of all ages. Unlike narcotic substances, and illicit drugs that are harder to attain, and can be expensive, lean drink is composed of a cheap, and accessible combination that makes it easy for the user to keep using. There are numerous Dangerous of consuming lean drink, and other variations of the cough syrup sedative.
- Lean Drink is similar to many other opioids such as heroin which can lead to fatal consequences
- Many people have died from using Lean Drink, and other similar mixtures of cough syrup
- Often users do not use lean by itself, but use it with other substances. This could result in fatal consequences
- It can cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- It leads to tolerance, and withdraw just like all other drugs
- It is highly addictive.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one is using Lean Drink it is imperative to get the help that you need today. There are a variety of treatment options available. At Coast to Coast Recovery, you can find a range of addiction treatment services from holistic healing and complementary therapies to 12-step programs and Christian-based teaching. Let us help you end a life of addiction and start your journey to lasting sobriety. To learn more, call (800) 210-8229.
