BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lean (a.k.a.: Sizzurp, Purple Drank) is a recreational beverage that commonly contains codeine cough syrup. Despite its popularization in the hip-hop music scene, few epidemiologic studies have examined use. This study examined prevalence and correlates of use among a population at high-risk for drug use-electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees.
METHODS: A total of 1029 EDM party attendees (ages 18-40) were surveyed in New York City in 2018 using time-space sampling. Prevalence and correlates of use of Lean were estimated.
RESULTS: An estimated 15.5% of attendees have ever used Lean, and 3.4% of attendees have used in the past year. Only an estimated 0.2% have used in the past month, but 14.2% would use in the next month if offered by a friend. Three-quarters (75.4%) of users believed their Lean ever contained codeine and 32.4% believed it always or usually contained codeine. Past-year use was strongly associated with past-year nonmedical prescription opioid use (adjusted odds ratio = 10.77, P = 0.003), but not past-year use of other illegal drugs. Attendees who are black or bisexual are at higher odds for past-year use, and those with a college degree or higher are at lower odds for past-year use.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: While use of Lean is not as prevalent as use of various other drugs (eg, ecstasy) in this high-risk population, over a tenth have tried it and/or are willing to use it if offered.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Prevention efforts need to target potential users as frequent use of beverages containing codeine products can lead to dependence.
Use of “Lean” among electronic dance music party attendees
American Journal on Addictions, 28 (5), 347-352. doi: 10.1111/ajad.12897. PMCID: PMC6706295.