A mixture of codeine and the antihistamine Promethazine, known as Lean Drink, has taken over the streets of Florida. Its availability and ease of acquisition are what makes it popular among those who enjoy drugs recreationally. However, due to the fact that its main ingredient is an opioid, drinking lean is highly addictive.
Although consumed by all age groups, lean drink is especially popular among teens and young adults. Modern media and hip-hop culture, before anything else, can be identified as significant contributors to the popularity of a number of opioids. Some celebrities have openly promoted lean but sadly passed away due to codeine overdose. According to research on codeine misuse on Instagram, drinking lean is also being promoted on social media due to its glamourization.
Opioid overdose in the US presents a long-lasting problem, and reports of the opioid epidemic suggest that nearly 400.000 people died due to it in the span of less than 20 years. Florida has introduced certain initiatives to address this issue, and they were successful. However, a significant number of people struggling with codeine addiction due to drinking lean still need help to overcome this challenge.
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What is Lean Drink?
Lean drink, or simply Lean, also known as Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Barre, Dirty Sprite, and Texas tea on the streets, is an illicit substance, a mixture of codeine, cough syrup, soda, hard candy, antihistamine Promethazine, and sometimes alcohol. Some people also add promethazine, paracetamol, and dextromethorphan.
All these substances are legal, whether because a doctor can prescribe them or because they are a general good and available to anyone. For this exact reason, lean drink is especially problematic, as basically anyone can get their hands on it. Additionally, the absence of an exact recipe for this cocktail means it can contain many different ingredients in different quantities, increasing the risk of accidental overdose and serious health damage.
To understand what does lean do to you keep in mind its main ingredient, opioid codeine. Codeine syrup is prescribed to treat mild-to-moderate pain. It binds to opioid receptors in your central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, lean drink causes euphoria, relaxation, sleepiness, or dream-like states. What makes lean addictive is the fact that it raises dopamine levels, making the consumer feel rewarded. People seek those rewarding feelings, increasing their consumption until they become dependent.
Opioid use and misuse is a wide topic, and you can always talk to We Level Up Lake Worth FL representatives to get additional information on it. As a premium institution addressing substance use disorders, we can equip you with information and knowledge to help yourself and others.
The Health Impacts of Drinking Lean
Typically, lean starts having an effect some 30–45 minutes after consumption. This time can be shorter due to the different amounts of codeine in it. The peak effect occurs 1-2 hours after ingestion and lasts 4-6 hours. People typically feel relaxed and dreamy, as if they are floating. This sedation effect comes with drowsiness (people tend to lean to one side, which is where the name comes from) and impaired motor skills.
However, drinking lean can cause some serious side effects. As it has a similar effect to heroin, what is known is that it can slow down person’s breathing and heart rate, which can, in the worst-case scenario, lead to death. If the brain gets deprived of oxygen, seizures might also happen. Other side effects include impaired vision (e.g., blurry vision, seeing double), dental decay, nausea, allergic reactions in some people, and even hallucinations.
In the long run, especially if consumed excessively or combined with alcohol, lean drinking causes codeine drug addiction or even a dual-diagnosis state of co-occurring substance disorders. It can impact hormonal production and lead to lower libido, sexual dysfunction, and even infertility. It comes as no surprise, knowing how long do opioids stay in your system, that lean also negatively affects the liver and kidneys and can cause serious damage. Experts are also warning about the negative effect on the immune system, opening lean users to infections and illnesses.
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Having in mind devastating statistics about opioid overdose, Florida made some efforts to fight the opioid crisis. Several measures were adopted with the aim of controlling opioid pill prescriptions. Research on opioid overdose deaths shows that measures were successful, resulting in a decrease in opioid-related deaths in Florida.
However, prescription drug abuse in Florida is still a significant problem, requiring action to be taken. Many still consume lean, which has a negative impact on their lives and the lives of their families, as well as public health.
Like any other opioid addiction, it affects one’s emotions and behavior, making it drug-oriented (whether to seek, acquire, or consume drugs) and neglecting other activities and tasks. Addicts stop enjoying activities they loved before and start failing at their daily duties. As lean is mostly popular with teenagers and young adults, one of the signs can be decreased academic success and failure to do house chores.
Treatment Options for Lean Addiction in Florida
Drinking lean is highly addictive and can have serious long-term consequences, making swift reaction that much more important. Some might try addressing their codeine dependence on their own. However, a medical drug detox in Florida is recommended to receive comprehensive detox services, avoid discomfort coming from withdrawal symptoms, and reduce the risk of relapse or accidental overdose.
Treating lean addiction ought to be tailored for individual cases, as they can vary depending on factors such as medical history and consumption history. Other than opting for prescription drug detox in Florida, patients should rely on evidence-based psychotherapy, well-established programs such as 12-step programs, or alternative addiction treatment. If there is a co-occurring mental state or addiction issue, a dual diagnosis program can address these situations in a more effective way.
Seeking professional help is essential for receiving adequate treatment and lowering the risks associated with dealing with addiction on your own. Professional medical and psychotherapy staff can not only help get rid of the codeine in one’s organism but can also help develop coping mechanisms and, with that, prevent relapses and ensure long-term recovery.
The Role of Rehabilitation Centers in Recovery
What does drinking lean do to you is a topic only professional staff is able to understand fully. This is why looking for professional help in specialized centers with plenty of experience is very important. Rehabilitation centers, like We Level Up Lake Worth FL, provide the exact support you need if you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction. Our first-class amenities, tailored solutions, and authentically caring professionals are there to provide all the comfort and assistance you might need.
To accommodate different realities, we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Although inpatient rehab offers the comfort of 24/7 service, outpatient rehab adjusts to our client’s schedules and obligations, preventing them from staying with us overnight.
Drinking lean is highly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable. Furthermore, addiction of any kind brings behavioral and emotional issues equally to those struggling with it and those trying to help. Relying on professional assistance alleviates some of that burden.
Seek Support to Understand What Does Lean Do To You
The danger of drinking lean lies in its availability and fast-acting, leading to addiction. The main lean drink ingredient is an opioid that quickly changes neurological patterns and causes health issues. Recognizing early signs and quick reactions to addiction are crucial.
No one needs or should deal with addiction alone. We at We Level Up Lake Worth FL, and our compassionate and professional staff are here to provide advice, recommendations, and care. Reach out to us by our addiction helpline, 1-855-SOBER-05, or the contact form. All our calls are confidential and non-binding. We will be there to assist you in any way possible.
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Sources:
Ware, O.D. (2023). Lean/Sizzurp Ingredients, Use, and Coping With Mental Health Symptoms. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, [online] 17. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218231195226.
Lander, L., Howsare, J. and Byrne, M. (2013). The impact of substance use disorders on families and children: From theory to practice. Social Work in Public Health, [online] 28(3-4), pp.194–205. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.759005.
Kennedy-Hendricks, A., Richey, M., McGinty, E.E., Stuart, E.A., Barry, C.L. and Webster, D.W. (2016). Opioid Overdose Deaths and Florida’s Crackdown on Pill Mills. American Journal of Public Health, [online] 106(2), pp.291–297. doi:https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2015.302953.
Drake, J., Charles, C., Bourgeois, J.W., Daniel, E.S. and Kwende, M. (2020). Exploring the impact of the opioid epidemic in Black and Hispanic communities in the United States. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 6, p.205032452094042. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2050324520940428.