Tri-Town Youth Services envisions a community where youth are able to establish strong and positive relationships with family, school, peers, and the community.
MISSION
TRI-TOWN YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU, INC. is a nonprofit agency that coordinates, develops, and provides services dedicated to promoting the positive growth and development of youth and families in Chester, Deep River, and Essex, Connecticut.
The Dangers of Lean (Purple Drank, Sizzurp)
What Is Lean?
Lean, also called Purple Drank or Sizzurp, is a dangerous substance mix containing prescription cough syrup with codeine and promethazine, soda, and candy. Some versions also include alcohol or over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines with dextromethorphan (DXM). This combination can slow breathing, cause addiction, and lead to overdose.
How Are Teens Getting It?
Misusing prescription cough syrup from home or illegal sources.
Stealing or buying large amounts of OTC cough medicines that contain DXM.
Mixing alcohol with DXM for stronger effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
Why Is Lean So Dangerous?
Highly Addictive: Opioids in Lean can lead to dependence and withdrawal.
Severe Health Risks: Effects include drowsiness, hallucinations, nausea, slowed breathing, seizures, and coma.
Deadly When Mixed: Alcohol, cannabis, and other depressants amplify the danger.
Overdose Risk: High doses of codeine or DXM can cause respiratory failure and death.
Warning Signs of Lean Use
Missing or frequently replaced cough medicine at home.
Empty bottles or cups with sticky, purple residue.
Slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, or confusion.
Purchasing or attempting to buy large quantities of OTC cough medicine.
Relevant Data & Statistics
CDC reports that opioid-related deaths, including codeine misuse, have surged in recent years.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that nearly 15% of high school seniors report misusing cough medicine.
American Association of Poison Control Centers warns of increasing DXM-related ER visits among teens.
Prevention Tips for Parents & Community
Secure medications: Keep prescription and OTC cough medicine locked up.
Monitor usage: Track how much cough medicine is in your home.
Educate teens: Talk about the dangers of Lean and substance misuse.
Stay alert: Report suspicious purchases of OTC cough syrups in stores.
Get Help & Resources
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): www.drugabuse.gov
Partnership to End Addiction: www.drugfree.org
For emergencies: Call 911 immediately.
Protect Our Youth. Prevent Prescription & OTC Drug Abuse.
Tri-Town is deeply grateful to our generous donors for their continued support. Your contributions make a meaningful impact on the programs we offer and the community we serve. Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to make a real difference for local youth and families. Together, we can keep creating positive change—
Thank you for being such a vital part of our mission!
As is required by the state of Connecticut, TTYSB must address 6 arenas:
Juvenile Justice
Crisis Intervention
Child Welfare
Mental Health
Positive Youth Development
Recreation/Cultural
