In southern states it is known as lean, purple drink, or more commonly syrup. And it is a growing concern in the United States. Lean as it is often referred to is a mixture of cough syrup and fruity soft drink, and is a common choice of recreational drug users. Over the counter cough syrup contains the two active ingredients of promethazine and codeine, not found in regular cough syrups. Codeine is derived from morphine, the same drug used to produce heroin, while promethazine is used as a sedative and makes user feel tired. Lean is a popular choice among heroin addicts as well many in hip-hop culture, being popularized by southern rappers such as Lil Wayne and Three Six Mafia.

When taking lean, users are ingesting up to 10 times the recommended amount of codeine and up to 8 times the prescribed amount of promethazine. The effects of this can be disastrous, in most cases leading to death or unconsciousness. The mixture produces the feelings of euphoria and happiness and prevents users from feeling their arms, legs, or stomach. When taken at such high quantities, cough syrup is very addictive and has been on the rise in America for the part two years, as cough syrup is readily available, but in some places it can sell illegally on the street for up to $200.

Popularity: 18% [?]