What Is Lean (Purple Drank/Sizzurp)?

Lean is a slang term used to refer to codeine cough syrup that’s been mixed with soda, hard candy, and sometimes alcohol.

Alternative names for lean include:

• purple drank
• sizzurp
• Texas tea
• dirty Sprite

Codeine, one of the active ingredients in lean, is a naturally occurring opioid commonly used to treat pain. Codeine can be addictive when misused, and fatal if consumed in excessive quantities.

Where Does Lean Come From?

Lean is an illicit concoction or “cocktail” that dates back to the mid-to-late 20th century. It was originally popularized by musicians in Houston, Texas, as a mixture of Robitussin and beer.

In the decades that followed, additional ingredients such as soda and hard candies were added to the mixture—and the drink was referenced in songs by artists such as Lil Wayne, Future, and Three 6 Mafia.

Why Do People Drink Lean?

Codeine, one of the active ingredients in lean, is a drug that has been misused for much longer than lean has been around.

People may drink lean to:

• feel a “buzz”
• experience euphoric effects
• experiment with drugs
• fit in with others who are drinking it
• avoid opioid or alcohol withdrawal

Is Purple Drank Legal?

Most ingredients used to make purple drank can be bought at a drugstore. Codeine cough syrups, however, are available by prescription only.

Codeine is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for misuse, drug dependence, and overdose in high doses.

Effects Of Lean Abuse

Drinking lean can produce a wide range of physical, cognitive, and psychological effects—including addiction with chronic use.

Short-term effects of drinking lean can include:

• euphoria
• slowed breathing
• slowed heart rate
• nausea
• dizziness
• weight gain
• constipation
• impaired memory

Long-term effects of misusing cough medicine are unknown, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Chronic drug abuse involving opioids like codeine is associated with organ damage, negative effects on mental health, and other personal costs.

Dangers Of Purple Drank

Contrary to what one might believe from its pop culture references, drinking lean can be very dangerous—largely due to the risk of overdose, addiction, and other health effects.

Codeine is an opioid drug, which can cause powerful depressant effects when taken in large quantities. In severe cases, this can lead to fatal overdose.

Signs of lean overdose can include:

• very slow or stopped breathing
• weak pulse
• bluish fingernails and lips
• nodding in and out of consciousness
• unresponsiveness
• low blood pressure
• gurgling sounds

Chronic use of codeine—that is, drinking lean regularly—can also cause drug dependence, which may trigger codeine withdrawal symptoms if you go too long without drinking more.

Is Lean Addictive?

Lean can become addictive due to the effects of codeine on the brain over time. When used as directed by a doctor, codeine can be safe and effective for its intended purpose.

Lean, however, is not a prescribed medication. People who drink lean may become psychologically addicted to its effects and develop physical drug dependence with chronic use.

Lean Abuse And Addiction Treatment

Drinking lean can be a sign of drug abuse and addiction. If you or someone you know is drinking lean, it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later.

Treatment for lean addiction may involve:

• medical detoxification
• one-on-one drug counseling
• support groups
• medication for opioid use disorder

If you, a friend, or a loved one is abusing cough syrup, call our helpline today to learn about our opioid addiction treatment options.