You’ve heard it talked about on social media, but you’re unsure what it is. What is lean? This term, along with others like purple drank and sizzurp, are nicknames for drugs some teens use to get a quick high. These terms describe misusing cough or cold medicines to get a high from them. If your teen has engaged in this, finding help starts with turning to Venture Academy.
What Is Lean and Why Does Your Teen Know About It?
Lean, sizzurp, and purple drank are terms used to describe the mixing of prescription cough medications with soda or candy. These drugs tend to contain promethazine, a type of antihistamine that can help clear the sinuses when a person has a cold. This medication can create a sense of being high.
Teens can produce this type of drink right at home. It is often used during parties or social gatherings, especially with younger teens who may not have access to funds to purchase other drugs. Often, they take these medications from their parent’s medicine cabinets or from friends.
What Are the Implications of Using Sizzurp Products?
These drugs can be used in various ways, including in gels, syrups, or capsules. When mixed and used, they can create significant changes in the brain. These medications contain codeine in them. This is a type of opioid. While the dose is lower, misusing it can still change the brain’s control over the heart and lungs. As a result, both slow down, leading to a drop in oxygen in the body.
It is possible to overdose from the use of these products. That may occur when breathing or heart rates drop to dangerous levels or even stop working. More so, there are heightened risks for this when these products are mixed with alcohol.
These drugs can also cause impaired vision, memory loss, seizures, and hallucinations in some teens.
What Are Signs Teens Are Using Lean?
Most often, these products’ effects are short-term, lasting a few minutes to less than an hour. However, there are signs teens may be engaging in the use of these products. Look for:
- Missing medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Teens spending a lot of time alone and in the bathroom
- Cravings and withdrawal symptoms if used for a long period of time
- Increased need for funds to purchase these products
- Increasing isolation and pulling away from friends and family
In some situations, teens may develop a substance use disorder from using these products. They may also mix them with other drugs or alcohol, creating a higher risk for addiction. This may lead to dependence as well as tolerance.
What to Do for Your Teen Using Purple Drank
What is lean going to do to your son or daughter? The good news is that catching this early can help prevent the onset of substance use disorder. It can also safeguard a teen from negative complications. At Venture Academy, we offer tools to ensure this is possible. That includes supportive resources for changing negative behaviours, treatment plans for short-term improvement, and solutions for long-term use and concerns. We also provide a youth detox program as needed. Learn more about the care we offer, including:
- 30-day assessment and intervention
- Behavioural treatment
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- School programs and education
- Electronic addiction services
Ready to Find Help? Call Venture Academy Now
What is lean? As a parent, you may not have even heard of this until you’ve heard your teen talk about it. Purple drank, sizzurp, and others are terms many parents don’t hear until their teen uses them. If that’s where you are right now, we can help you through this situation. Call Venture Academy now at 866.762.2211 or connect with us online for immediate help.
