Civilizations around the world have used the benefits of intoxicating remedies for years. However, in recent years, we have seen a rise in the use of some substances outside of its intended purpose. People seeking various ways to alter perceptions remain unaware of the harm these substances can do to their health. Unfortunately, the inherent dangers of consuming illicit and inconsistent foreign substances, such as lean, can also result in dependence. It can also have devastating physical repercussions as serious as death. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, our compassionate team specializes in a wide range of services to help women in need.
What Is Lean?
To answer the question, “What is Lean?” we will look at its ingredients. In a Lean drink, there is a mixture of sweeteners with legally prescribed and over-the-counter cold medicine. The sweeteners used to improve the drinkability of this concoction are typically candy, soda pop, or some other sweet flavor strong enough to mask the unpleasantness of the medicine. Due to the disguised nature of the substance, it is quite difficult to remain aware of your consumption volume of the active ingredients contained in the mix. This is one of the many factors that make drinking a Lean cocktail so dangerous for people, even for only a single-use.
Why Is Lean Drink So Popular?
After people found out the answer to “What is Lean drink?” the craze got started, but many people had no idea what the Lean drink had in it. Their introduction to Lean was typically in the abrupt form of a cup full of the liquid given to them to try. It is often made with such potency that anyone will be under its influence after having ingested a few ounces of it. It is also relatively inexpensive to create. The main ingredients are readily available and cheap at any store with a pharmacy section. The ease of obtaining the elements combined with the effectiveness of the mix to work on anyone makes purple drank appealing to bored partiers.
What Are Some Symptoms Caused by Lean?
Lean drink can cause several problems related to interference with the involuntary functions of the body. These functions are necessary for sustaining life, like breathing and heart rate. Some of the initial symptoms someone may experience when ingesting Lean are problems with memory. You may also experience listlessness, headaches, blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and disorienting euphoria. As with any foreign substance introduced to the body, long-term effects are different. They can include decay of dental structures or weight change. You also risk infections of the urinary tract, trouble breathing, heart-rate disturbances, seizures, and even death.
Is Purple Drank More Dangerous Than Alcohol?
There is another great risk when consuming the Lean drink, also called purple drank on the street. It is the combined effect of the main active ingredients found in the collective mixture. This ingredient can vary based upon their availability, the whim of the mixer, and a host of other possibilities. The purple drank recipe can be so different with each batch. As a result, there is no way of determining a safe amount for intake or even how concentrated any of the components are. Due to this inconsistency, Lean can carry a higher risk of accidental overdose than alcohol. Alcohol is tightly regulated, inspected, and has a long history of documented effects of its use. However, no substance is safe to use that does not provide an established benefit to the function and well-being of the human body.
Drugs continue to pique the interest of a broad cross-section of the public. Many of them are looking for a way to enhance their experiences beyond their ordinary perceptions. However, these drugs have proven to be quite harmful even for short-term use. The lean drink is a severe concern for younger generations and a dangerous indulgence for unwary athletes and celebrities. The Willows at Red Oak Recovery facilities cater to young women. We provide services like dual diagnosis and experiential therapy in the form of outdoor activities such as hiking, rope courses, horseback riding, and gardening. We also provide trauma therapy, relationship building, service work, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga.
If you or someone you know needs help with their Lean dependence, please call our substance abuse treatment center at 855.773.0614 today.
