Combining prescription-strength cough syrup and soft drinks is popularly referred to as “lean” among various other names. Prescription-strength cough syrup contains codeine which comes from the opium poppy plant so addictive you may need a prescription drug rehab program to break the dependency. It is similar to morphine, yet it is one of the weaker opioids. However, it is highly addictive and can cause considerable damage to the body. When continuously consumed in large doses, lean can produce harmful withdrawal symptoms between doses and cause increased risks of overdose or death. Unfortunately, celebrities have made lean a popular drug of choice, especially in the hip-hop community. This public acceptance of lean is dangerous because each celebrity who endorses it can influence many people.

The opioids in lean can cause severe addiction that can make quitting seem impossible. A lean addiction would require treatment, counseling, and sometimes medication to properly overcome. If you or a loved one is struggling with a lean addiction or any substance abuse issue, please call Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650.

The Dangers of Lean

Codeine, one of the main ingredients in lean, produces feelings of euphoria. Additionally, prescription-strength cough syrup also contains promethazine, which relaxes the user. Combining either of these ingredients with alcohol or caffeine can cause a range of adverse reactions. Under no circumstances should anyone operate a vehicle under the influence of these ingredients. The chances of a car accident increase significantly. When taken in large doses, promethazine and codeine can cause dangerous side effects, including:

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Hallucinations
• Severe breathing problems
• Changes in blood pressure
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression
• Sleepiness
• Coma
• Sudden death

Although withdrawal symptoms from lean are unlikely to kill you, prolonged use will damage organs and can cause dire health complications. Many rappers who popularized lean have experienced seizures, coma, and death. Regular use can cause you to suffer from constipation, weight gain, and urinary tract infections. Long-term use, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can lead to life-threatening situations. If you or a loved one is misusing cough syrup, it’s best to seek help from an addiction specialist like those at Bayview Recovery.

Cough Syrup Abuse

Lean is a prescription-strength cough syrup but some users who cannot acquire a prescription turn to over-the-counter cough syrup. Dextromethorphan (DXM) cough syrup can be found in NyQuil, Theraflu, and Robitussin. Overusing DXM is known as “robotripping.” DXM is different than prescription cough syrup that contains codeine and promethazine. This substance acts on the same receptors as hallucinogens like PCP, which cause dissociative effects.

When people misuse over-the-counter drugs, it can cause severe internal organ damage to the liver and kidneys. If you are abusing cough syrup in any form, you may need addiction treatment and recovery support to stay off of this drug long-term, including:

• Medication-assisted treatment program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient rehab center
• Men’s rehab program
• Women’s rehab program

To learn more about the treatment options available, please contact Bayview Recovery today.

Learn More at Bayview Recovery

Washington-based Bayview Recovery offers all programs listed above and more. You don’t have to battle lean addiction alone. Fortunately, abstaining from this drug is possible through effective substance abuse programs available to you at Bayview Recovery.

Withdrawal symptoms can be unbearable, which causes many users to keep using, avoiding any adverse effects that come with withdrawal. However, being a part of a medically supervised detox program can help you overcome one of the most daunting aspects of quitting the drug. Individualized care addresses a client’s specific needs, which significantly increases the chance of a full recovery by treating the person and their addiction. For example, gender-specific programs address the unique issues that men and women face in addiction and consider specific treatment based on their needs.

At Bayview Recovery, we offer a comprehensive approach to recovery to ensure that recovery is possible for you because we believe you deserve it! Call us today at 855.478.3650 or visit our contact page to speak with our admissions team that can help you take the first steps towards recovery.