What Does Lean Do? Understanding the Risks of Purple Drank

Introduction to Lean: What Is It and Why Is It Popular?

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity and attention of a new, dangerous concoction known as Lean or “Purple Drank”. To answer the question what does lean do is simply answering that it’s in the form of a beverage that is a mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup with codeine, soda, and candy. Often this recreational beverage is mixed with soda drinks such as Sprite or Mountain Dew and Jolly Rancher candies are added for flavor. The mixture of cough syrup produces a purple color which is where the name derives from. What makes this drink so popular is that it appears to have a harmless appeal due to the flavorful, non-invasive method of consumption.

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Within modern pop culture, there has been an influx of lean being shown in popular media and music which has created a surge of young people to become curious about this drink and starting to experiment with its effects. What is often overlooked and not portrayed in popular media is the powerful, addictive components of codeine that can lead someone down a path of opioid dependence and addiction. 

 

The Effects of Lean on the Body and Mind

At the core of lean lies codeine, a potent opioid that acts as a central nervous system depressant that can induce a range of effects within the body and mind. The effects lean has on a person are similar to other opioids resulting in a variety of symptoms that will vary in severity depending on how much you consume. After drinking lean, the effects and symptoms will usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes after consuming. 

Lean can cause the following physical and mental side effects after consumption: 

• Euphoria 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Impaired or loss of memory 
• Vision impairment 
• Hallucinations 
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Altered states of consciousness 
• Increased feelings of sleepiness 

The Role of Codeine in Lean

Codeine is a key ingredient in many prescribed cough syrups due to its ability to alleviate coughing and discomfort associated with respiratory conditions. However, if codeine is misused or abused, the sedative properties can lead to several negative consequences both physical and psychological. One of the significant dangers associated with lean is the potential for codeine dependence and addiction. Regular use can cause a person to develop a tolerance leading you to have to use more to achieve the desired effects. The escalation of use creates a risk of physical and psychological dependence that makes it challenging to discontinue use without professional help or treatment. 

Short-Term and Long-Term Health Risks of Purple Drank

Similar to any other substances, the use of purple drank, or lean, has the potential for a variety of health risks both short-term and long-term effects. These risks pose concerns for both your physical and psychological health. Depending on the severity of your lean usage, the severity of your symptoms and health consequences will vary. 

Short-term health risks from the use of purple drank include: 

• Confusion 
• Shaking 
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Inability or difficulty urinating 
• Impaired coordination 
• Changes in judgment 
• Difficulty completing tasks for work or school 
• Inability to operate heavy machinery 
• Difficulty driving 
• Loss of focus 
• Pancreatitis 
• Pregnancy complications such as birth abnormalities or injury to a developing fetus 
• Allergic reactions, in some people 
• Slow breathing can become life-threatening for people who have certain conditions such as sleep apnea 
• Respiratory depression 
• Seizures
• Overdose when used in higher doses or combined with other drugs 

Prolonged use of codeine within lean can result in significant long-term health risks that affect both your body and mind. Long-term effects that can occur within lean users include: 

• Changes in the libido 
• Sexual dysfunction 
• Behavior changes 
• Shifts in normal personality 
• Infertility 
• Changes in the body’s ability to produce hormones such as testosterone 
• Liver damage 
• Kidney dysfunction 
• Cardiovascular problems 
• Onset of mental health concerns 

Understanding the Appeal and Misconceptions of Lean

The appeal of lean is deeply intertwined with modern, cultural influences particularly within the realm of music and social media. Many popular artists glorify the use of lean in their lyrics, music videos, and media visuals that are given to the public. The popularity within modern pop culture has led to a desirability and perceived coolness among a younger demographic which has increased the number of young people that are using this substance.  

There is a common myth that is associated with substance use that addiction occurs when using illegal substances that are considered to be “hard drugs” such as heroin or cocaine and alcohol addiction. However, substance use disorders can occur from a variety of substances including codeine. Lean is often considered to be a harmless, recreational substance that poses little to no risk when using it. To dispel this misconception, it is crucial to provide awareness about the actual risks involved and foster open discussions about the true impacts of lean. Addressing the societal misconceptions about lean can help individuals make an informed decision about engaging in the use of lean. 

Signs of Lean (Purple Drank) Abuse and Addiction

Lean abuse and addiction can have a variety of behavioral and physical indicators that will differ from person to person. Common signs of lean addiction can include: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Mood swings 
• Drowsiness 
• Changes in sleeping patterns such as sleeping more than usual 
• Changes in weight including weight loss 
• Nodding off 
• Decreased appetite 
• Stomach pains 
• Constipation 
• Itching 
• Clammy hands or feet 
• Slowed breathing 
• Changes in vision 
• Developing a dependence on codeine resulting in you needing to use more to reach the same desired effects 
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought you joy 
• Lack of motivation to complete or maintain normal daily responsibilities 
• Changes in social circles to one that is centered around substance use 
• Experiencing health concerns due to substance use but continuing to use lean despite the risks 
• Severe urges of cravings when not using lean 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not engaging in lean use 

Treatment Options for Codeine and Lean Addiction

Treating a lean addiction requires a multifaceted approach that includes a variety of healing methods to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Depending on the severity of your lean addiction and the significance of the withdrawal symptoms or cravings experienced, you may be invited to engage in medication-assisted treatment to aid in a safe, comfortable detox from codeine. Treatment programs will address the psychological aspects of addiction with the use of addiction therapy, individual counseling sessions, group therapy, relapse prevention planning, and specific therapeutic methods such as dual diagnosis treatment that support you in healing from the underlying factors associated with addiction. 

How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help with Lean Addiction

WhiteSands is a premier addiction treatment center that offers comprehensive treatment programs for individuals living with an addiction to lean. Our compassionate and experienced team understands the unique complexities of lean addiction and offers all of our patients an individualized treatment plan that is catered to meet your specific needs, challenges, and goals for addiction recovery. Patients within our recovery center are invited to participate in a variety of healing methods including traditional talk therapy sessions, alternative treatment methodologies, holistic practices, and life skills development. This diverse array of therapeutic modalities allows you to explore and heal from the physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual impacts of addiction allowing you to find healing, self-discovery, and personal growth that will foster long-term recovery and happiness. Call WhiteSands today to hear more about the individualized treatment programs available and start on your recovery journey now. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.