What is ‘lean’ and why are teens using this drug?
Learn about about this new drug in South Africa.
According to the Addiction Centre, 'lean' is an illicit substance made with Codeine cough syrup, soda, and hard candy.
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Where does the name ‘lean’ come from?
According to the #LeanOnMe drug awareness campaign, the mixture "makes people lose their ability to stand up straight, they always need to be leaning on something, which gives sense to the name of the concoction; Lean."
The drug is widely popular among young people around the globe and is now making an unwelcoming mark in South Africa.
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Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to David Bayever, a substance abuse expert from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Witwatersrand.
David Bayever says: "The problem is, it is easy to make but the bigger problem is, if you did not make it yourself, you would not know what it contains."
What are the signs your child might be using drugs?
Look at the child's behaviour. They might be hanging around friends who never visit the family home. They might find it difficult to wake up the next day. Have they changed their dress sense? David emphasises that parents should not be in denial.
Where do you seek help?
- www.leanonme.org.za
- Lifeline: 0861322322
- Norwood Police Victim Empowerment: 0117281347
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here. Listen to the full conversation below.