Purple Drank (Lean) Effects, Addiction and Treatment

Understanding Purple Drank (Lean): What Is It?

Purple Drank has emerged as a popular recreational beverage within modern Western society. This homemade concoction consists of prescription-strength cough syrup that contains codeine and is typically mixed with soda that has a fruity or fizzy base such as Sprite. There are some variations of this concoction that can include the addition of candy or Jolly Ranchers to give the drink added flavor. This homemade drink, sometimes known by various names such as Lean, Sizzurp, or Purple Syrup, has an appealing taste for younger users which has made it become an increasingly dangerous substance to abuse among Americans across the nation.

The allure of Purple Drank (Lean) consists of the ability it has to induce a sense of euphoria and relaxation without the sense of using other traditional illegal or prescription drugs. This non-threatening formula makes it easy for someone to misunderstand the significant dangers and long-term impacts of Purple Drank. Understanding the components of Purple Drank and its effects is crucial to comprehend the potential consequences and dangers associated with its use and how to seek help for substance use disorders with the help of an addiction treatment program.

The Allure and Risks of Purple Drank (Lean)

The appeal of Purple Drank is closely tied to the sedative effects that it produces. The main intoxicant within the mixture, codeine, is a central nervous system depressant that is found in cough syrup. Ingesting codeine produces a calming sensation and enhances physical and mental relaxation. The added combination of soda and candy helps to enhance the taste of this beverage and, ultimately, provides an easier way to indulge in codeine abuse. 

There has been extensive research and understanding of how long-term codeine use can impact a person’s overall health and well-being. The risks associated with Purple Drank can range in severity depending on the extent of your use, the length of time that you’ve been abusing codeine, and the pre-existing mental and physical health concerns that may be present. Common risks associated with codeine abuse include: 

• Drowsiness
• Slowed or irregular heart rate
• Impaired motor skills
• Dental decay
• Impaired vision
• Respiratory distress
• Overdose

Recognizing the Effects of Purple Drank (Lean) on Health

Similar to any other substances that you abuse, there are a number of health risks that are associated with the abuse of lean. Understanding the effects of Purple Drank on health is essential for individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to provide the appropriate support and addiction treatment. Early intervention is always ideal for anyone living with a substance use disorder to help treat the underlying causes of addiction and avoid experiencing serious consequences and side effects from substance use. There are specific physical and cognitive symptoms to be aware of that can prompt early intervention and prevent further escalation of health issues. 

The short-term effects of Purple Drank can include blurred vision, dizziness, and slurred speech. These symptoms may seem relatively mild, but it is important to understand that prolonged use of codeine can result in more severe symptoms and health consequences. Long-term use of lean can result in respiratory depression that results in your breathing becoming dangerously slow or shallow or organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys. Another key concern with lean is the significant risk of overdose and, potentially, death to its users. The sweet taste of the beverage can make it hard for someone to monitor and regulate the amount they consume which can lead to dangerous levels of consumption where risks for these serious, sometimes deadly, side effects greatly increase. 

What Leads to Purple Drank (Lean) Addiction?

The use of Purple Drank often begins as a recreational activity to experience the calming effects. Additionally, the use of lean has become a popular pastime for teens and young adults across America and while the use of this party drug begins innocently enough, the prolonged use of codeine can result in physical dependence over time.

As the body becomes accustomed to the presence of codeine, it develops a reliance on the substance to function throughout the day. When you stop consuming codeine, your body can experience withdrawal symptoms that can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. 

There are psychological aspects that can contribute to the development of a Purple Drank addiction. Experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and a desire to escape reality can lead someone to seek reprieve and escape through the use of codeine. The use of lean is popular among younger Americans which makes peer influence a significant contributing factor to addiction to Purple Drank.

Understanding the contributing factors to lean addiction can help you create targeted prevention strategies and effective addiction treatment plans that help you safely and comfortably overcome the physical and psychological dependence of codeine. 

Identifying and Understanding Purple Drank (Lean) Addiction

Addiction can appear differently in an individual’s life and it is important to understand that lean addiction can present different symptoms and impacts depending on the severity of your addiction. Having a clear understanding of the signs of a lean addiction allows you to identify when you or a loved one require the support of addiction treatment to overcome your codeine dependency safely. Common signs of a Purple Drank addiction are: 

• Increased tolerance where you need to consume more lean to reach the desired effects
• Neglecting responsibilities such as work or school
• Social isolation
• The majority of your time is consumed by the thought of using, planning for your next time using, or engaging in substance use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not engaging in substance use
• Change in social circles to one that is centered around substance use
• Significant changes in weight
• Losing interest in activities that once brought you joy
• Sleeping more than usual
• Drowsiness
• Acting despondent, angry, or aggressive
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors or activities while using substances
• Expressing a desire to quit using substances but experiencing failed attempts at doing so

The Dangers of Long-Term Purple Drank (Lean) Use

Engaging in long-term use of Purple Drank poses significant risks to an individual’s overall health and well-being. The combination of lean and other substances can lead to respiratory issues including respiratory failure. Long-term use of lean has been known to cause significant damage to cardiovascular functioning and, after extended periods of usage, can lead to heart failure.

Prolonged use of codeine poses a severe threat to your organ functioning and leads to significant strain or organ damage leading to intensive health concerns and, in some cases, overdose or death. Understanding these dangers helps individuals and families to be informed on their decision-making in regard to substance use and be empowered to seek help before long-term concerns emerge. 

Muse Treatment’s Approach to Treating Purple Drank (Lean) Addiction

Muse Treatment understands the unique challenges of a lean addiction and strives to provide a personalized care plan for every patient’s treatment program. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment of your physical and mental health, the severity of your substance use disorder, and specific needs for healing and treatment. Understanding your specific history of addiction and personal health concerns allows us to create a tailored program that is designed to help to address and heal from the underlying factors of your addiction and develop the tools for maintaining long-lasting sobriety. 

Our treatment approaches include a combination of medical interventions, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, holistic healing methods, and alternative therapies that foster healing and personal growth within your body, mind, and spirit. Patients in our recovery centers are offered varying levels of care that support you in every phase of your recovery process — detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs that ensure you find long-term success in sobriety. Contact Muse Treatment today by calling 800-426-1818 to speak with our admission team to learn more about the personalized treatment program we’ll create for you and take the first steps toward recovery today.