The exposure of new drugs usually follows a predictable pattern: they first appear in arts and music subcultures, then leak out into the general public. MDMA, or ecstasy, started its journey as a dance drug in underground raves and EDM parties in London. But now, any teen in the United States knows what “molly” is and might have either tried it or been around people who use it.
The same is true of “lean,” which is also called purple drank or sizzurp. Originally it was a club drug at hip-hop shows in Atlanta and around the south, popularized by rappers who brought the drug with them from small arts communities into mainstream popularity.
It looks like a radioactive purple kids’ drink and is usually served on ice. Because all its ingredients are readily available and legal, it has a reputation for being safer than other illicit substances. Nothing could be further from the truth.
What Is Lean, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Lean is basically prescription cough syrup mixed with soda and antihistamines. If you take a closer look, you will find that the active ingredients are:
- Codeine, a synthetic opioid that is highly addictive
- Promethazine and dextromethorphan, antihistamines that suppress circulation and cause drowsiness
- Acetaminophen, a common painkiller that causes liver damage in high dosages and repeated use
So what kind of drug is lean? It’s yet another dangerous opioid like heroin and fentanyl. Lean creates a calm sense of euphoria with hallucinations. It quickly builds tolerance and begins to destroy your liver and damage the memory centers of your brain. In addition to memory issues and the eventually fatal liver damage, frequent users often experience:
- Chronic yawning
- Agitation and nervousness
- Aching muscles
- Heavy sweating
- Disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Tooth decay
Lean Use Is Opioid Addiction That Requires Professional Treatment
Just as it is with heroin or any other opioid, lean tolerance increases quickly as it replaces the natural mood-regulating neurotransmitters in your brain. It is dangerous to quit without the help of doctors and professionals who can reduce the withdrawal symptoms and provide the right counseling services to keep you away from it for good.
Next Wind Recovery in New Jersey is a world-class opioid addiction treatment center with a great deal of experience with opioid dependence and creating successful, evidence-based programs that are customized for each client. A lasting recovery from lean use requires a holistic plan that gives you effective skills to last into your future.
Next Wind Recovery’s Approach to Addiction Treatment
Next Wind Recovery opioid treatment plans are created to fit with your schedule and your life. Our plans include:
- Outpatient detox – The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed to give you support while keeping your job and maintaining normal contact with family and friends. Our professional case managers make sure that no details are missed in your treatment plan.
- Medication-assisted treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms – Repeated opioid use rewires the neural circuitry of your brain, which means that quitting can cause damage and suffering. Our doctors will prescribe and manage the intake of special medications that make this much easier, as well as monitor general physical health.
- Intensive individual therapy – Well-trained and empathetic therapists will work with you to identify all of the emotional and social triggers that help drive your substance dependence and lead you to develop personal strategies and goals for a future free from relapse.
- Group therapy – With professional guidance, you will become part of authentic group discussions with other clients facing the same struggles. This facet of our treatment is critical to success, as it lays the groundwork for a solid support network you can always call on. Listening to peers articulate their hopes, fears, and failures creates a kind of bonding that you will not find anywhere else. These sessions are a great source of real-life strategies that expand your healing toolkit.
Call Next Wind Recovery to Learn More
If you or someone you love has become dependent on an opioid-like lean or any other drug, you should have lots of good questions by now. Please contact us at 201.331.6569 and ask about the details of detox and treatment at Next Wind Recovery.
Everyone is different, and we are ready to tailor our resources just for you. Don’t give up after relapse. With the right care and support, you can always turn your life around for the better.
