Street Drugs and Fentanyl Contamination

Those who struggle with illegal substance use are now putting themselves at even more risk with rising cases of fentanyl contamination. Now more than ever, the opioid crisis is a public health concern for many people. 

Fentanyl contributes to overdoses all across the United States, and more drugs are contaminated with the substance than ever before. So, what are these types of drugs, and is there a way to prevent this situation from progressing?

Understanding Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid synthetically created to treat severe pain after a surgical procedure. The substance is similar to morphine but provides more pain relief. It is used as a legitimate medicinal tool for pain and distributed by a licensed medical professional. 

Unfortunately, fentanyl has successfully made its way into many peoples' areas. Illegal substance distribution also thrives off legal prescriptions, such as nasal sprays or powders. Counterfeit fentanyl often contains a highly lethal dose with significant risks for fatal outcomes.

Additionally, there are more cases in the United States of individuals struggling with substance use disorder who have unknowingly used substances contaminated with fentanyl. Creating fentanyl is not very difficult, as the drug is often formed into tablets and pills, all without quality control. Lately, the distribution of fentanyl has increased across the United States as it is mixed with other substances that commonly get distributed in the streets.

Drugs Contaminated With Fentanyl

The production and distribution of fentanyl are somewhat simple, so more outside substances and drugs are now contaminated. Some of the drugs contaminated with fentanyl are heroin, cocaine, opioids, and over-the-counter nasal sprays. There are a variety of substances that put individuals at health risks when fentanyl is involved.

In recent studies, those who accessed the substance experienced unpleasant and deadly outcomes; however, many people who use other illicit substances may not know that fentanyl is even involved unless informed by their dealer. Since the illegal substance fentanyl is manufactured outside the border, those engaged in illicit drug production and distribution are trying to find ways to concentrate it into legal medicines, like pills or nasal sprays. Some individuals report that they were informed and chose to take heroin cut with fentanyl to experience a more potent high.

The strategies of fentanyl exposure in prescriptions must be more understood and addressed in the United States. Millions of Americans struggle with substance use disorders and may not know if the substance they are taking is cut with fentanyl. 

The fentanyl can be mixed into a spectrum of outside drugs, including opioids, without the local market understanding the harsh realities that can exist. Therefore, identifying the risk of overdose and understanding fentanyl exposure can help identify intervention and prevention methods for contamination.

Creating Prevention Methods and Finding Help to Eliminate Fentanyl Contamination and Use

Due to the growing distribution of fentanyl in the United States, more accidental overdoses result from fentanyl. During the recent pandemic, more drugs became laced with fentanyl which produces a heightened risk of unwanted effects.

Since many individuals do not realize their substances are cut with fentanyl, preventing exposure and overdose is challenging. It may seem difficult to detect the synthetic version of fentanyl. 

One of the most common contributing factors is the potency of fentanyl versus the intended substance. If an individual gets hold of a drug and the distributor mentions it is more potent than others, be aware that it could be laced with fentanyl.

A small grain size amount of fentanyl can lead to an overdose or a deadly outcome. Unfortunately, having a more vital, potent substance is a driving factor in the market. It is becoming more appealing to those who struggle with substance use disorders. 

Learning to avoid substances cut with fentanyl or finding help for substance use disorders can increase a person's likelihood of remaining safe, as well as raising public safety awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.

The prevention methods to help eliminate the contamination of drugs with fentanyl include addiction recovery treatment options and public awareness.

While fentanyl can be manipulated into pills or small amounts, getting it into the United States is easier for an outside distributor. Growing awareness on the illegal distribution can help avoid the dispersion of the illicit substance. Individuals struggling with trauma or feeling under stress may find substance use to cope with their situation.

Those who do not know how fentanyl will affect their health or what fentanyl is may take the substance without the proper insight to help avoid it. Individuals struggling with substance use and drug addiction need to understand the devastation of the disease and the consequences that fentanyl use can cause.

Avoid The Fentanyl Risk – Seek Help For Addiction Today

If you or your loved one struggle with substance use or have found yourself dependent on drugs contaminated with fentanyl, help is available.

For more information on what types of drugs are most often contaminated with fentanyl, or if you struggle with a substance use disorder and want to find a way out, The Forge Recovery Center is here for you. Located in stunning Santa Ana, California, our compassionate team is here to help you and give you the resources and guidance for any fentanyl or substance use disorder. Please call us today.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 10, 2022