By Annisa Essack
17:06:2021

Lean is a concoction of cough syrup, fizzy drinks, and, in some cases, alcohol. Originating in Houston, Texas, and is typically served in a white Styrofoam cup. The term “lean” comes from the position it tends to put you in after drinking it. The mixture is known to have an intoxicating effect that calms and relaxes the user, which can last anywhere between three and six hours.

The Norwood Community Policing Forum, in Region E of the City of Johannesburg, has increased efforts in trying to curb the growing trend. A new campaign has been launched to sensitise communities and educate communities about lean – and the effects of codeine abuse amongst youth.

The campaign #LeanOnMe ultimately seeks to drive change in reducing the drug abuse problem the country is facing, particularly that of codeine consumption,” Annie Hodes said on Tuesday.

The Norwood Community Police Forum (NCPF) said it was dedicated to curbing this growing trend of lean usage and providing the youth with any assistance they may need.

People have been abusing codeine, the main ingredient in lean, for ages, but lean’s prominence in pop culture has made it more popular than ever.

Hodes said the problem lies in that the youth look up to and are influenced by these celebrities and artists, using them as a point of reference to deciding what’s cool and trendy. The trend has increased the drug abuse rates in a country that is already faced with a substance abuse problem.

Hodes says that the #LeanOnMe campaign aims to encourage the youth to have confidence in themselves and ask for help when they need it, rather than relying on external interventions.

“Irrespective of the challenges they may be facing, the campaign wants to ensure that young people remember that there is always someone they can lean on for support. As part of the campaign, the youth and the community at large will be provided with facts about the dangers of lean consumption, symptoms of addiction, and be provided with information on how to get the necessary help needed to quit,” Hodes said.

According to health experts, codeine is highly addictive when consumed in large quantities. The abuse of codeine may lead to body aches, difficulty breathing, impaired vision, organ damage, and death.
Mongi Maphipha, a member of the steering committee for the campaign, says the drug has crippled the community and that it is time to save youth from drug addiction.

The organisation says that substance abuse affects not only the user but also those around them, including family, friends, and the community. For this reason, when substance abusers reform, they need the help and support of all those around them.