Lean, also known as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” or “dirty Sprite,” is a polysubstance drink that has gained significant attention due to its recreational use and cultural relevance, particularly in the hip-hop scene. However, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with this concoction. Before delving into the details, it’s important to note that making or using lean is illegal and dangerous, and this article aims to provide educational information rather than encouragement. Many people search how to make lean or how to make purple drank without realizing the serious consequences that come with its use.

What Is Lean (Purple Drank)?

Lean is a combination of prescription-grade cough syrup, typically containing codeine and promethazine, mixed with a soft drink like Sprite or Mountain Dew, and sometimes sweetened with hard candy such as Jolly Ranchers. The drink earned its name “lean” due to the way it causes users to physically lean or slouch due to its strong sedative effects. This codeine and Sprite mixture became popular in Houston, Texas, and quickly spread through pop culture thanks to its glamorization in rap music.

Lean is known by several other names, including purple jelly, drank, Texas tea, purple Sprite, and syrup. These slang terms reflect how normalized the drink has become in certain social circles, despite the serious health consequences.

The Origins and Popularity of Purple Drank

Purple drank first gained notoriety in the 1990s within the Houston hip-hop community. Artists such as DJ Screw, Lil Wayne, and Three 6 Mafia referenced lean frequently in their lyrics and public appearances, making the drink seem like a staple of the culture. Over time, the visual of a double cup filled with purple liquid became symbolic of a certain lifestyle.

However, what was portrayed as glamorous masked a dark reality. DJ Screw, one of the early promoters of purple drank, died from a codeine overdose, drawing attention to the lethal consequences of drinking lean. Despite growing awareness, many people—especially youth—continue to search terms like “lean in a Sprite bottle,” “lean with Nyquil,” or even “how to make lean without codeine” out of curiosity or a desire to mimic what they see online or in music videos.

What Are the Ingredients in Lean?

The core ingredients of lean include codeine-based cough syrup and promethazine. Codeine is an opioid that can create feelings of euphoria and sedation by acting on the brain’s reward system. Promethazine is an antihistamine that amplifies the sedative effects of codeine, making the user feel even more relaxed and drowsy.

The codeine-promethazine syrup is mixed with soda—most commonly Sprite or Mountain Dew—to mask the bitter taste of the medication. Many users also drop in Jolly Ranchers or other hard candies to enhance the flavor and change the drink’s appearance, making it sweeter and more appealing. This sugary cocktail is deceptively dangerous, and variations like “lean with Robitussin,” “lean with Nyquil,” or “Nyquil and Sprite” only complicate the risks.

How Do You Make Lean (and Why You Shouldn’t)

Although recipes for making lean are widely circulated online, it cannot be stressed enough that attempting to make lean is dangerous and illegal. The most common method involves combining a specific dose of codeine-promethazine syrup with Sprite and a few pieces of hard candy, usually in a double Styrofoam cup. The visual aesthetic of the drink has become part of its appeal, contributing to its spread on social media.

Some people try to substitute prescription syrup with over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM), such as Nyquil or Robitussin, hoping to recreate the effects. This variation, sometimes called “robotripping” or “dirty Sprite,” can be just as dangerous—if not more so—due to the unpredictability of dosage and effects.

Why Do People Drink Lean?

People drink lean for its euphoric and calming effects. The high often includes feelings of relaxation, numbness, and detachment from reality. Some users say they feel like they are floating or disconnected from their surroundings. In a society where stress, anxiety, and trauma are prevalent, the allure of an instant escape can be tempting. Add to that the cultural reinforcement from music and social media, and lean begins to look less like a threat and more like a trend.

However, what does lean do to your body over time? The answer is devastating. While the initial effects may feel enjoyable, the consequences build up rapidly. Dependency can form quickly, especially when users drink lean regularly to cope with emotional pain or to fit in with peer groups.

What Does Lean Feel Like?

Users often describe the effects of lean as deeply relaxing, almost trance-like. It can cause drowsiness, slowed motor functions, delayed reaction time, and a feeling of being outside of one’s body. In the short term, users might experience dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, memory problems, and impaired coordination. These effects make it incredibly dangerous to drive or operate machinery while under the influence.

Long-term users may suffer from constipation, dental decay, weight gain, and chronic respiratory issues. Addiction to lean also frequently leads to tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose.

Can You Overdose on Lean?

Yes, overdose is a very real risk associated with lean. Both codeine and promethazine are central nervous system depressants. When taken in high doses—or when combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines—the chances of respiratory depression skyrocket. This means your breathing can slow to a dangerous level or stop entirely.

There have been numerous high-profile cases where celebrities were hospitalized or died due to lean overdoses. The most well-known case is DJ Screw, who passed away after consuming large amounts of codeine-promethazine syrup. Others, like Lil Wayne, have experienced severe health scares that were later attributed to lean use.

How Long Does Lean Stay in Your System?

The codeine in lean can stay in your system for varying lengths of time depending on your metabolism, the dose taken, and your overall health. In general, codeine can be detected in urine for up to 3 days, in saliva for 1 to 2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days. While the effects of lean usually last 4 to 6 hours, the drug’s presence in your body lingers much longer, affecting your cognitive functions and health.

Is Lean Addictive?

Lean is highly addictive. Codeine is an opioid, and like other opioids, it causes physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the brain begins to rely on the presence of the drug to release dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

When someone tries to stop using lean after developing dependence, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms often make it difficult for users to quit without professional help.

Is There a Safe or Legal Way to Use Lean?

There is no safe way to use lean recreationally. Even attempting to make lean with Nyquil or other OTC medications carries serious health risks. While codeine and promethazine can be used safely under the guidance of a medical professional for legitimate medical conditions, combining these substances with soda and candy for recreational use is dangerous and illegal.

How to Get Help for Lean Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with lean addiction, help is available. Treatment often begins with medically supervised detox to safely remove codeine and other substances from the body. From there, patients may enter residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, or intensive outpatient programs.

These programs typically offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, and peer support groups to help individuals recover physically and emotionally. Recovery is possible, and many people have regained control of their lives through professional support.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Help

If you’re using lean or experimenting with substances like Sprite and cough syrup, you’re not alone—and you’re not beyond saving. Addiction can make it feel like you’ve lost time, but recovery can help you reclaim it. Whether you’re in need of detox, residential treatment, or outpatient support, Asana Recovery offers a path forward.

Call (949)-763-3440 to speak with our team today. We’ll meet you where you are—without judgment—and help you move toward healing. Because no matter how far you’ve gone, it’s never too late to come back.

**Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not encourage or condone the use of lean or any other illicit substance. If you are struggling with substance use, please seek professional help.**