LEAN - Purple Drank, Dirty Sprite, Sizzurp

What is LEAN? LEAN is a drink which is homemade made from various substances, made popular by American Rap culture and linked to high profile users and drug related deaths. (Rapper Mac Miller) It may contain, Codeine, Promethazine (antihistamine), Parcacetamol and Dextromethorphan (cough syrup), fizzy drinks and or alcohol. The internet and social media is full of sites to show how to make the drink, and there are variances of the contents.

Local picture The level of local use is not clear, however we suspect it may be predominantly used by young people who are associated within gang culture. Local young people are reported to be mixing alcohol within the drink, making it even more dangerous and risk of overdose. You are not able to buy a strong cough medicines or codeine over the counter in the UK, however the ingredients can be sort on the internet or from drug dealers. (opiate based tablets)

Warnings LEAN can cause sedation, psychological and physical dependence.

Codeine is an opiate and highly addictive substance. Codeine is a depressant which lowers blood pressure and can cause difficulty breathing. It is very dangerous when mixed with alcohol, slowing the heart rate.

Promethazine is an antihistamine which may contain a sedative, leading to drowsiness, confusion and dizziness when mixed with the other ingredients.

Health and Wellbeing Team - Substance Misuse Nov 2019

LEAN - Purple Drank, Dirty Sprite, Sizzurp

Paracetamol or Ibruprofen can cause kidney failure, liver failure and bleeding from the stomach.

As the drink is homemade the quantities and ingredients vary, therefore the strength and potency of the drink also vary.

Anyone who has taken LEAN, and who is feeling unwell should seek medical attention by calling 111 or urgent medical attention 999.

Local services Further advice and guidance can be given by the local substance misuse team at Achieving for Children, we can be contacted on 020 8547 6920. Should you wish to refer a young person for specialist interventions for any substance misuse issues, including alcohol, referrals can be made by emailing [email protected]

Health and Wellbeing Team - Substance Misuse Nov 2019