Lean Treatment And Rehab
The consumption of lean, a combination of prescription cough medicine and syrup or candy, is casually referenced throughout pop culture and social media, but its effects are anything but casual. For individuals who are struggling with lean abuse, there are treatment centers available.
Author Carmen McCrackin
Reviewer Kristen Fuller, MD
Treatment For Lean Addiction
Lean is known by several names (sizzurp, purple drank, purp) and is the combination of soda or candy with prescription cough medicines that contain either promethazine (an antihistamine) or codeine (an opioid). Abusing lean can lead to serious health concerns and overdose, so seeking addiction treatment is crucial.
Receiving treatment for lean abuse follows a similar format to receiving treatment for other opioids. An individual, if needed, will first enter a process of lean detoxification, followed by inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and then aftercare, including support groups or continued addiction counseling.
Medical Detox For Lean
Codeine attaches to the brain receptors in the same way that heroin does. If an individual misuses codeine repeatedly, they can build a tolerance to it which means more of the substance is needed to produce the same “high” or effect. Once someone is dependent on the opioids found in lean, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptom when they attempt to stop using the drug. Medically supervised detoxification can help ease these symptoms.
To offset these uncomfortable symptoms, medical professionals at the treatment facility will often administer treatment medications like methadone and buprenorphine. Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, prevents cravings, reduces withdrawal symptoms, and dulls the effects of opioids. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, works similarly to methadone to minimize withdrawal symptoms and block the euphoric effects of opioids like codeine. These medications have shown effectiveness in reducing opioid use and harmful opioid-related behaviors when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Withdrawal symptoms from codeine and promethazine can vary from mild to intense and include symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Body aches
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pains
Many avoid stopping substance use for fear of the severe side effects, but medication-assisted detox allows for a detox process that is safe and relatively predictable.
Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Lean Addiction
Inpatient Treatment For Lean Abuse
After the detoxification process, individuals have the option to enter an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility or other forms of treatment. Inpatient programs offer around-the-clock care and support in a highly monitored environment. This intensive structure is designed to give individuals the space to devote their time to recovery from lean abuse entirely. For individuals struggling with lean abuse, inpatient rehab may be beneficial as it will remove the individual from the environment that may trigger substance abuse.
The length of treatment at an inpatient program will depend on several factors, including the severity of the substance abuse, if there are co-occurring mental health conditions, and if polydrug abuse is occurring. Polydrug abuse refers to the abuse of multiple substances and can significantly impact how long an individual will need to detox before treatment.
On average, the standard stay at a residential treatment center is 30 days, with most centers offering more extended programs of 60 to 90 days. For assistance with finding an inpatient treatment center, contact a treatment provider here.
Outpatient Rehab For Lean Addiction
Treatment at an outpatient facility is best suited for those with a mild opioid addiction or for those that require a flexible program to maintain their life schedule. Outpatient programs are designed to allow individuals a level of autonomy as they can live at home or in a sober living facility. Still, they are required to attend treatment multiple times a week to receive drug and alcohol counseling, therapy, and medication.
Maintaining Recovery Through Support Groups
There is a transitory period after outpatient treatment where individuals often begin attending continuing care groups. Continuing care groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, offer continuous support after an individual has completed their respective treatment programs.
Support groups allow individuals to share their similar experiences in a space often facilitated by a licensed professional. These groups, and the individuals within them, can offer guidance and emotional support to those struggling with substance abuse. For those struggling with lean abuse, there are support groups that focus on living a life without opioid use. Even after treatment for lean or codeine abuse, continued support significantly improves the likelihood of sustained recovery.
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Why Is Rehab Necessary For Lean Abuse?
Misusing promethazine-codeine cough medicine, which includes using lean, can cause an individual’s heart rate and breathing to slow to a dangerous degree. The slowing of the heart rate and breathing places an individual at risk of an overdose, as deadly overdoses occur when the heart and lungs are stopped from working completely. Additional effects of consuming lean can include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Impaired Vision
- Memory Loss
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Although it goes by many seemingly harmless names, the physical harm that lean can cause to those who misuse it is concerning. Treatment is necessary for lean abuse in order for individuals to regain control of their lives and learn coping skills that will strengthen their resistance to cravings and triggers.
Taking The Next Steps Toward Recovery From Lean Addiction
The decision to begin treatment can be challenging, but it is a necessary step in pursuing recovery from lean abuse. The impacts of lean abuse, especially concerning codeine addiction, can have damaging, long-term effects, so it is essential to find a treatment approach that will address all of an individual’s needs. Every individual will have specific needs, so contact a treatment provider today to discuss rehab-related questions.
