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Substance
Updated July 11, 2025
Lean (drug explanation)
Lean is a sedative drink that mixes cough syrup, soda, and candy to create a relaxing, euphoric high. It slows your body and mind, often causing drowsiness and a dreamy feeling.
Category
Substance
Use Case
Used recreationally for its sedative and euphoric effects.
Variants
Promethazine-codeine, prescription cough syrup, homemade mixtures
Key Features
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Fast onset of euphoria
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Short duration of effects
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Highly addictive stimulant properties
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Commonly mixed with soda
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Associated with severe dental decay
In Simple Terms
What it is
Lean is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-strength cough syrup (usually containing codeine and promethazine) with soda and sometimes candy. It’s also called "purple drank" because of its color. Think of it like a homemade, sedative-like drink that slows down your brain and body, similar to how a heavy blanket might make you feel relaxed and drowsy.
Why people use it
People use lean because it creates a calm, euphoric, and sleepy feeling. It’s often seen as a way to unwind or escape stress, like how some people might have a glass of wine to relax. Some users also enjoy the way it numbs emotions or makes music and socializing feel more intense. However, the effects can be unpredictable, and the risks are high.
Basic examples
A person might sip lean at a party to feel more relaxed and detached from worries, like floating on a slow-moving cloud.
Some artists have referenced lean in music, making it seem trendy, which can influence others to try it.
Unlike a cup of coffee that perks you up, lean does the opposite—it’s like pressing a "slow-motion" button on your body and mind.
Remember, while lean might seem harmless or fun to some, it’s addictive and can lead to serious health problems, including slowed breathing or even overdose. It’s not a safe or legal way to cope with stress or boredom.
Lean is a recreational drug made by mixing prescription-strength cough syrup (usually containing codeine and promethazine) with soda and sometimes candy. It’s also called "purple drank" because of its color. Think of it like a homemade, sedative-like drink that slows down your brain and body, similar to how a heavy blanket might make you feel relaxed and drowsy.
Why people use it
People use lean because it creates a calm, euphoric, and sleepy feeling. It’s often seen as a way to unwind or escape stress, like how some people might have a glass of wine to relax. Some users also enjoy the way it numbs emotions or makes music and socializing feel more intense. However, the effects can be unpredictable, and the risks are high.
Basic examples
Remember, while lean might seem harmless or fun to some, it’s addictive and can lead to serious health problems, including slowed breathing or even overdose. It’s not a safe or legal way to cope with stress or boredom.
Technical Details
What It Is
Lean, also known as "purple drank" or "sizzurp," is a recreational drug beverage that combines prescription-strength cough syrup, soda, and sometimes hard candy. It falls under the category of central nervous system (CNS) depressants, primarily due to its key active ingredient, codeine, which is an opioid.
How It Works
Lean's effects are driven by its opioid (codeine) and antihistamine (promethazine) components. Codeine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting pain signals and inducing euphoria and sedation. Promethazine, an antihistamine, enhances these effects by reducing nausea and adding a calming effect. The soda or candy is used to mask the bitter taste of the cough syrup.
The drug is typically consumed orally, with absorption occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Its effects manifest within 30–60 minutes and can last several hours, depending on dosage and individual metabolism.
Key Components
The primary ingredients in lean include:
Common Use Cases
Lean is primarily used recreationally for its sedative and euphoric effects. It gained popularity in hip-hop culture and is often associated with social settings or relaxation. However, misuse can lead to severe health risks, including respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or other depressants.