What is Rainbow Fentanyl?
For the past several years, the drug fentanyl has been making headlines around the country, contributing to a record-breaking rate of overdose deaths since the start of the opioid crisis nearly three decades ago. However, fentanyl isn’t only affecting those who use illicit street opioids; it has found its way into every other kind of drug that can be found on the black market. From amphetamines to benzodiazepines, illegal drug manufacturers have begun to sneak this highly addictive and potent opioid into every product imaginable due to its cheap and easy production.
Most recently, drug enforcement officers have reported the nationwide presence of “rainbow fentanyl,” a colorful, candy-looking pill that contains potent opioids. They claim the goal is likely to target young children or partygoers who frequently consume drugs like MDMA or, more likely, to make the pills more distinguishable for their potency.
The Dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl
Like all fentanyl-laced drugs, these pills contain a fully synthetic opioid that can cause a fatal overdose in tiny amounts, 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Experts say that the extreme addictiveness of opioids makes fentanyl lucrative for both manufacturers and distributors because it guarantees repeat customers. Fentanyl is much cheaper to make when compared to heroin and morphine since it doesn’t require a specific poppy plant to produce its final form. The low cost of production, matched with the high demand for increasingly potent opioids on the street, created the profitable business of fentanyl inclusion into nearly every illicit drug.
There have been countless reports of opioid overdose cases involving illicit drugs thought to be non-opioid related yet containing enough fentanyl to prove fatal. The CDC reported 107,622 overdose deaths in 2021, 66% related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl for Americans between 18-45 years old. It only takes about two milligrams of fentanyl, which looks like a couple of grains of salt, to cause a fatal overdose. Unfortunately, its potency is also seen as a plus side to the millions in America who are addicted to opioids and looking for something stronger and cheaper to feed their addiction.
Fentanyl Overdose Prevention
Because fentanyl is found in various non-opioid street drugs, the CDC highly recommends using fentanyl test strips for recreational and regular drug users. This form of harm-reduction seeks to prevent overdose instances caused by fentanyl while promoting the importance of naloxone, a medicine that can help reverse an overdose.
Due to the overwhelming presence of fentanyl sweeping the nation, the DEA has created the One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign, hoping to reach every community at increased risk. Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threatening the country, killing hundreds of thousands in its wake.
BAART is dedicated to providing effective addiction treatment for those who need it most. As America faces the biggest wave of opioid overdose deaths in history, there has never been a more urgent time to seek help. Specialized medical providers and nursing staff at all BAART facilities know that substance use disorder is a chronic disease that requires compassion and comprehensive care for each patient. To learn more about the available programs or speak with an intake coordinator, message or call a local BAART clinic today.
