The Glamorization of Lean
Have you heard of the latest drug craze known as “sipping lean?”
Although it has been around for decades, this sipping lean craze has been a recurring theme in hip-hop music. Despite the glamourization of lean, it is highly addictive and dangerous.
BriteLife Recovery recognizes the impact that sipping lean has on your health. We have the tools and programs to help you detox and recover.
From day one, the focus is on your recovery.
If you are ready to experience a better life, then BriteLife Recovery is here for you.
Connection Between Hip Hop and Sipping Lean
You might be surprised to learn that this additive concoction has been around for years.
However, in the last five years, hip-hop and rap have glamorized the purple drink.
Many artists have died from lean addictions. In many cases, fans imitate their favorite artists, which has led to an increase in codeine use for nonmedical purposes.
Lean has changed hip hop the way that heroin changed rock music.
Drinking lean is highly addictive.
If you are struggling with a lean addiction, Britelife Recovery can help you.
We understand how lean withdrawals can wreak havoc on the body’s nervous system. Our integrated detox programs can help you to detox with minimal discomfort.
History of Lean
The idea of lean began in the 1960s.
Lean was used as a means for an artist to alter their state of mind for inspiration.
During the early stages, lean was a mixture of Robitussin and beer.
The practice began in Texas and spread throughout the south.
Today, lean has infiltrated the hip-hop world and spread its influence onto the world stage. Young people wanting to imitate their hip hop idols will experiment with different combinations, unaware of how dangerous sipping lean is.
Some artists do not even use lean, yet will openly compose songs suggesting the contrary.
Sipping lean is never a good idea — You can become addicted very quickly.
What is Lean?
The base drug for lean has been prescription cold medicines, specifically cough syrup that contains both promethazine and codeine.
However, with the rise in demand and codeine abuse, an over-the-counter cold medicine containing dextromethorphan is substituted. Bought legally and without the need to visit a doctor, it can produce similar effects.
Sipping lean that contains codeine is a mild opiate, which is why lean can be difficult to quit without help.
Lean is made by mixing liquid codeine, promethazine, and soda pop. Some people who sip on lean will frequently add a jolly rancher garnish.
There are several different names that this dangerous drug is known by, Purple Drank, Dirty Sprite, Seizure, and Purple Tonic.
The drink is called “lean” because of the loss of control over your body. People affected by sipping lean tend to lean or slump over.
How Dangerous is Lean?
People often do not realize that lean is both a dangerous and habit-forming drug.
Codeine and promethazine can potentially depress the respiratory and central nervous systems.
If your brain goes without oxygen, even for short periods, brain damage is likely.
Besides the risk to your brain, heart failure and death from overdose have been reported.
Many teens and adolescents have been using lean to get a buzz because lean drink ingredients are legal.
Many parents are unaware of the risk of over-the-counter cough medicine. Early signs to look for are empty cough syrup bottles.
Effects and Abuse of Lean
Codeine is the chief ingredient in lean that causes a feeling of euphoria.
Because codeine is an opiate, it is very addictive.
This also makes it a Schedule Class 1 drug. This type of drug has a high risk of abuse.
The effects of sipping lean can include increased anxiety, cramping, drowsiness, and nausea.
The most dangerous consumption of lean is combining it with alcohol. Alcohol amplifies the effects of other drugs. You risk severe health consequences when you sip lean and mix it with alcohol.
Finding a Way to Recovery
If you are struggling to quit sipping lean and having a challenging time, there is help at BriteLife Recovery.
We can provide you the best treatment for a lean addiction.
There is no shortage of amenities to help you learn healthier habits that will support your recovery.
We support proven medical treatments that blend holistic and new age methods to transform treatment into a program that works for you.
We have comprehensive care where we provide everything you need to find sustainable recovery.
Detoxing from Lean
The first step in recovery from a lean addiction is a process called detox.
There are a couple of ways that you can detox. Both require your commitment to stop sipping lean.
The goal is to help get you through the withdrawal phase and learn to handle the cravings to avoid relapses.
The withdrawal phase can include medications to block the effects of opiates.
Other treatment options include behavioral therapy and life skills classes.
A comprehensive care plan will include all aspects of care to help you reach long-term sobriety.
Medical Detox Addiction Treatment
There are a few medications that can help you manage withdrawal and slowly wean you from sipping lean.
Suboxone can help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Suboxone is similar to opiates, but it does not produce a euphoric feeling. Suboxone reduces the cravings and withdrawal side effects and acts as an opiate blocker. It is a very effective alternative and safe to take under the care of a doctor.
The ultimate goal is to help you stop abusing lean.
When you cease sipping lean, your brain has the opportunity to heal.
Some medications can support abstinence. The use of opiate blockers can help sustain recovery and lead you to a healthier and happier life.
Once stability and therapy are developed, many can then stop using the medications.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Many cannot safely detox at home.
You may lack a support system or the willpower to stop. Sometimes, it is just the inability to handle the stress in life and maintain the commitment to recovery.
Inpatient rehab can help you abstain from using lean.
Stress and triggers are minimized because you are in a secure environment.
This is an ideal option if you receive little support, and your lean abuse impacts your health.
Inpatient care can offer you the security and calmness you need during recovery.
Britelife Recovery’s staff is dedicated and supportive, and they genuinely want you to recover from lean addiction.
Often, when you abuse lean for extended periods, your recovery can be a long road.
Our staff understands the toll that addiction takes. That is why our programs complement your circumstances.
Ongoing Care at Britelife Recovery
Once you have completed your treatment program, you still need to be vigilant regarding your addiction.
Addiction is a chronic disease. Like other chronic diseases, the disease will continue to progress without ongoing or aftercare treatment.
We genuinely want to help you find the best way to treat your addiction.
Your spiritual, physical, and emotional recovery is most important.
Our treatment centers offer full-service residential rehab programs and various other treatment options in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Our addiction treatment programs identify the underlying conditions that will empower you to overcome your triggers and take ownership of your recovery.