alcohol-abuse-signs-addiction

Fake prescription pills are dangerous and unfortunately becoming easier to get these days. Out of desperation, prescription drug abusers often turn to black market sources, assuming they can get more of their favorite medication on the street. Yes, drug dealers often sell their own or other people’s prescriptions, but then they get greedy and start dealing in counterfeits. Some of these fake prescription drugs are made in countries where there is very little oversight from law enforcement, but illegal pills can be produced anywhere, including here in the United States.

Fake prescription drugs may look like the real thing, but when a pill isn’t purchased directly from a pharmacy, you have no idea what you’re getting. Illegal pill makers often purchase pill presses that can make a legitimate-looking pill out of anything, and users, as well as dealers, are falling for it. An epidemic of counterfeit prescription drugs is sweeping America, and it’s killing people. Here’s why:

Incorrect Dosages

There’s a reason you have to go to school to become a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. One small mistake can result in a deadly overdose, which is why there are so many checks and balances in the pharmaceutical industry. From the manufacturing process to filling your prescription at your local pharmacy, special care is taken to make sure you are getting the exact dosage that was prescribed to you.

Counterfeit prescription pills might look just like the pills you’re used to taking, but they often contain a higher dosage of the active ingredient. This tendency can easily lead to an accidental overdose, and unfortunately, it happens all the time. An article published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services pointed out that as many as 90% of opiate overdoses are accidental. Fewer deaths are now attributed to suicide in light of these recent findings, and a big part of why overdoses happen is the fact that people don’t realize just how potent black market pills can be.

Deadly Ingredients

Not only do you not know how much of a drug you’re getting in that fake pill, but you also have no idea what else that pill might contain. Fake prescription pill makers are lacing pills with fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can kill an adult male, and accidentally overdosing from a bad batch of homemade pills wouldn’t be a rare occurrence. Fentanyl overdose is on the rise, which is why the DEA issued a public service warning earlier this year about pills laced with the deadly ingredient. Taking a homemade pill these days is playing Russian Roulette with your life.

Unfortunately, the temptation to seek out drugs from questionable sources is part of the downward spiral that often comes with prescription drug addiction. Isolation, job loss, and other factors related to the Covid-19 pandemic are exacerbating the already growing problem of drug abuse in America.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, America’s Rehab Campuses can help. Contact us now for more information about our treatment options.