Fentanyl-laced drugs have become more and more prevalent in recent years. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found fentanyl-laced substances more than 8,600 times in a single six-month period. Of course, this is problematic because of the high risks associated with fentanyl. Wondering how you can tell if a drug is laced with fentanyl? Keep reading to find out!
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It was originally developed as a form of pain management medication for cancer patients. However, thanks to its intense opioid properties, it’s often abused in street drugs.
Why are Street Drugs Laced With Fentanyl?
Most commonly, fentanyl is mixed in with, or substituted for, heroin. When heroin is laced with fentanyl, it produces a more powerful, intense high for the user. In some cases, the heroin is swapped out for fentanyl without the user knowing. Either way, the user feels that they bought extremely potent heroin and will return for more.
Of course, heroin isn’t the only drug being laced with fentanyl. Cocaine, meth, ecstasy, and even marijuana can be fentanyl-laced. Fentanyl can be cut into any type of illegal drug – whether it’s an injectable liquid, powder, or a pill. Once again, in these instances, the purpose is to give the user a more intense high and keep them coming back for more.
How to Tell if a Drug is Laced With Fentanyl?
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if a drug is laced with fentanyl just by looking at it. Fentanyl is most often white but can also be a tan or brown color. Additionally, when it’s mixed in with other substances, it can be virtually impossible to distinguish. Fentanyl also doesn’t have a distinct smell or taste, so don’t expect to identify it through those ways either.
Luckily, there are fentanyl test strips available. These are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in any drug. The strips are available for purchase from various suppliers and typically come at an affordable price (usually $1 per strip). You simply mix a bit of the drug with some water, stick the strip in, and wait to see a positive or negative result for fentanyl.
Risks of Fentanyl
Some may wonder why someone using illegal drugs would bother to test if their drugs are laced with fentanyl. After all, illegal drugs are inherently risky, so what’s the difference? And while it is true that street drugs are dangerous, it’s essential to understand the risks of unknowingly taking fentanyl.
First, let’s say someone is a cocaine user and has built up a tolerance to the drug. If they all of a sudden take their usual amount of cocaine, but it’s laced with fentanyl, they are more at risk of an overdose as their body isn’t used to fentanyl.
Secondly, fentanyl is highly potent and dangerous to take. Fentanyl-laced drugs aren’t made in a regulated lab, so there’s a higher risk of health side effects, including overdose.
Lastly, fentanyl is highly habit-forming. So, individuals who unknowingly start to take fentanyl-laced drugs may develop an addiction to this dangerous opioid.
Not Worth the Risk
Overdoses from fentanyl-related drugs are on the rise. According to the DEA, 40 percent of the pills tested by the organization are found to have a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. It’s becoming clear that it’s simply not worth the risk to take these street drugs. Even people who think they are staying away from the synthetic opioid by taking other drugs maybe unknowingly tricked into taking fentanyl.
It’s time for individuals to understand this increasing risk and choose a different path. Instead of risking health problems, overdose, and death, people struggling with addiction should turn to professional help. America’s Rehab Campuses helps people find the route to a safe, relaxing, and successful long-term recovery. Our treatment consultants are available 24/7, so contact us today to get started.
