Sippin on Sizzurp: The Dangers of Lean

The Rise of ‘Lean’ in Popular Culture

The rise of Lean in the pop culture world seems to have made this particular concoction somewhat of a household term. Unfortunately,  this popularization has the potential to mask the dangerous reality of abusing this substance, famously referred to as sizzurp. 

Made famous by rappers like Lil Wayne and Three 6 Mafia, this “purple drink” has deeply interlaced itself with party culture. While all the glitz and glamor of Lean in the hip-hop scene can make it look appealing to some, this newfound popularity makes it more critical than ever to discuss the health risks and potentially life-threatening consequences its usage can have. 

What Is Lean?

Acknowledgment of the substance’s growing popularity, still leaves the question of just what is lean? This beverage, also referred to as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” “Texas tea,” and various other names, is a combination of cough syrup, some sort of soft drink, hard candy, and, in some cases, alcohol.

In particular, lean uses prescription cough syrup, as these cough suppressant medications usually have codeine and/or promethazine as their active ingredient(s). 

Codeine, which is derived from the same opium poppy as heroin, is a highly addictive opioid drug usually used for pain relief. This is due to the opioid molecules present within this narcotic which, if used in high doses, can lead to the development of a dependency on it. 

A Brief History of Sizzurp

With its existence first being acknowledged in the early 1960s, drinking lean has since developed into a so-called “purple drank” phenomenon. 

Having started out with a popular concoction among blues musicians in the form of Robitussin and beer, this beverage began to change shape in the 80s and 90s into the combination it is today: Codeine, Promethazine, and Sprite. 

Particularly popularized by the Three 6 Mafia song, “Sippin on some Sizzurp,” dirty sprite exploded onto the scene in the early 2000s. While the music industry has a habit of making the drink out to be fun and hip, this characterization largely hides the symptoms and side effects that make abusing lean dangerous. 

The Side Effects of Lean

Many users describe the effects of lean as being euphoric and relaxing, making them feel as though they are in a dream-like state. This feeling is normal when using a controlled substance such as codeine, which is designed to help alleviate moderate to severe pain. This is caused by the drug’s direct interaction with the body’s central nervous system.

In fact, the term “lean” comes from the position individuals will typically end up in when using this substance. Most find themselves leaning to the side or hunched over, as this concoction can cause the body to feel heavy or extremely relaxed. 

Why Is Drinking Lean Dangerous?

The danger of a lean drink lies mostly in the fact that both of its main ingredients, Codeine and Promethazine, are central nervous system depressants. These cause a slowing of breathing and heart rate. 

When taken in small amounts, this is what creates a euphoric feeling for users. After all, the brain is not receiving the amount of oxygen that it needs to function properly, resulting in the (unnatural) relaxation of the rest of the body. 

However, for individuals who frequently abuse lean and/or are struggling with a lean addiction, their usage may cause them to simply stop breathing. This can either lead to a so-called “brain death,” in which a lack of sufficient oxygen being delivered to the brain results in a coma, or death.

Furthermore, even in the case of ingesting a single lean drink, if the user incorrectly measures the amount they ingest by even a small amount, the results can be life-threatening. Some of the most commonly reported cases in which an individual consumed too much “purple drank” involved their going into cardiac arrest.

Side Effects of Short-Term Lean Usage

Individuals who are exposed to a lean drink on a singular or limited number of occasions may experience desired effects such as euphoria or a dream-like state. 

However, they will also likely experience less pleasant symptoms (particularly if consumed in high doses) such as: 

• Slowed heart rate
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Confusion or brain fog
• Shaking
• Blurred Vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Constipation
• Nausea, vomiting
• Inability to urinate (which can cause urinary tract infections)
• Pancreatitis

Side Effects of Long-Term Lean Abuse

Over an extended period of time, long-term use of Lean can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Respiratory depression
• Organ damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Seizure
• Heart Attacks
• Changes in behavior and personality
• Dental decay

Alongside these long-term effects, people who regularly and frequently drink lean can also develop a life-threatening condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

This syndrome can have a number of symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Stiff muscles and/or muscle aches 
• Confusion
• Abnormal thinking
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating 
• In extreme cases, lethal drug effects can occur (i.e., coma, death)

Famous Experiences With Lean

When it comes to a life of fortune and fame, those in the midst of this lifestyle are, unfortunately, often no stranger to substance abuse. In the case of excessively mixing cold medications with soft drinks, this is no less true.

Many famous individuals have been known to use this particular substance. Unsurprisingly, a significant number of them are popular musicians, with their “purple drank” usage having started due to the pressures of fame and constant exposure to environments that emphasize a party culture. 

Pimp C’s Fatal Lean Addiction Experience

A popular artist in the early 2000s, Underground Kings (UGK) rapper and record producer Pimp C was well known to drink and promote lean. In particular, he was relatively vocal about his dependency on this substance in being able to sleep.

Unfortunately, after many years as an advocate of the drink, he was found dead in his home in December of 2007. It was reported that he had died in his sleep due to having been unable to breathe properly after drinking lean. 

Schoolboy Q’s Recovery from Lean Addiction

Following years of struggling with substance abuse, Rapper Schoolboy Q has openly discussed his plan of action to quit drinking lean. According to the rapper, his addiction was a long-time hindrance to his ability to make music.

While he initially stopped his usage during the creation of his album Oxymoron, he relapsed soon after. Unwilling to give up, however, he re-committed to his goal of living a sober lifestyle in 2019.

Lil Wayne’s Health Decline from Lean Addiction 

One of the most well-known rappers over the last decade, Lil Wayne has long served as a “dirty sprite” enthusiast. However, his frequent consumption of this concoction has, in recent years, served as a leading cause in the downward spiral of his physical and mental health. 

In September of 2017, Weezy was reported to have been experiencing frequent seizures and has even been found unconscious after drinking lean in excess quantities. He has been hospitalized on a number of occasions, and has reported struggling with “exhaustion.” 

In 2019, a police search conducted on his private jet found a load of codeine syrup, amongst other drugs and weapons. Unfortunately, even with his lean addiction resulting in a medical emergency on multiple occasions, Lil Wayne has yet to show any indication of stopping this substance abuse.

Mixing Lean With Other Substances

Mixing cough medicine with additional drugs and/or alcohol can not only worsen the side effects of a lean drink, but present entirely new ones as well.

The severity of these symptoms can change in nature depending on the type and quantity consumed, as well as any underlying mental health or physical health conditions.

Mixing Lean With Alcohol

In particular, mixing codeine with alcohol can enhance a number of symptoms associated with this form of drug abuse, including: 

• Difficulty breathing
• Weakened motor functions
• Slowed response/reaction times
• Impaired Judgment
• Confusion

Engaging in this form of combined substance abuse can also increase an individual’s risk of developing liver or kidney damage.

Mixing Lean With Other Drugs

Mixing lean with another drug can have a number of negative side effects, which can vary depending on the specific mixture and dosage taken. 

Of the specific substances that lean has been found to negatively interact with, these include: 

• Other narcotics (i.e., fentanyl, morphine)
• Sedatives (i.e., lorazepam, diazepam)
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Ketamine
• Cannabis
• Mood stabilizers
• Antihistamines

Alternative Lean Ingredients

In the event that individuals cannot access certain medications, alternative over the counter prescriptions may be used in producing their “purple drank.” 

Dextromethorphan (DXM) cough medicine is often used as a substitute for codeine or promethazine, the resulting high of which is referred to as “robotripping.” Using DXM cough syrup in this manner can cause a number of effects, including: 

• Dizziness, nausea
• High blood pressure
• Discoordination
• Increased heart rate
• Numbness in body
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Loss of memory
• Slowed or difficulty breathing

Lean and the Younger Generation

Cough syrups have become a widely popular party drug among young people today, primarily influenced by the entertainment industry’s promotion of lean. 

Furthermore, these cold medicines are generally easy to find, and are easily concealed in cups and brought into schools or other public areas. 

The effects of drinking lean can also be detrimental to young adults, particularly regarding their physical and psychological development. Mental health disorders are becoming increasingly more common amongst younger generations in recent years. 

Mental Health and Addiction

For some individuals, cough syrup may not just be a means of treating the symptoms of a cold. In many cases, lean (or some other drug) may be used to help distract or mask the negative thoughts and feelings associated with certain mental health conditions. 

Unfortunately, these attempts to self-medicate with lean or other substances mean that these individuals often end up developing a coexisting substance use disorder. 

What are Lean Withdrawal Symptoms?

Once an individual consumes lean on a regular basis, their body will become physically dependent on this substance. Thus, stopping usage of it can cause a number of side effects, both physically and mentally.  

There are several symptoms associated with codeine withdrawal, including:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Cramping, diarrhea
• Fever, chills, sweating
• Runny nose, sneezing
• Headaches, body/muscle aches
• Changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
• Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings
• Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
• Intense drug cravings

Depending on the individual, the number and intensity of these withdrawal symptoms will vary in relation to the severity of their addiction, as well as any co-occurring health conditions or substance use disorders. 

Finding Lean Addiction Treatment

When it comes to lean abuse, there are several addiction treatment options available to individuals struggling with this disorder. In most cases, the first step in recovering from this form of addiction is going through a medical detox process. 

During this detox, individuals will gradually reduce their substance intake levels under constant, medical supervision. This round-the-clock care will likely include the administering of essential nutrients and liquids, monitoring of their vital functions, and mental health support. 

Furthermore, some individuals may need to receive medication assisted treatment, in which they will be provided with controlled medicines that can help prevent or minimize withdrawal symptoms. 

When it comes to codeine addiction treatment, rehab is often not a one-size-fits-all situation. For individuals who require an addiction treatment program that has a more strict, supervised approach, seeking out an in-patient recovery center may be most efficient. 

Individuals who require more flexibility and freedom in their approach to achieving a sober lifestyle, however, will likely benefit from choosing an outpatient recovery program. 

Freedom From Addiction is Attainable

Addiction in any form can be a difficult and lonely affliction. Unfortunately, despite lean’s association with the typical party scene, individuals who struggle with this form of substance abuse are no stranger to this reality. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with a lean addiction, know that you are not alone. Here at Find Addiction Rehabs, our team is dedicated to helping you find the best addiction treatment options and facilities for your care needs.

Taking the first step to recovery can feel impossible, but we’re here to take that pressure off your shoulders. Just by calling us at our 24/7 hotline today, we can get you started on a path to recovery and becoming a healthier, happier you!

Medically Reviewed By