The rainbow fentanyl; Synthetic opioids are sweeping America and threatening young people
A new drug trend is emerging in the United States: brightly colored fentanyl pills and powders. These drugs have colors like chalk and sugar, making them potentially more appealing to children and teens. Although these substances resemble sugar, make no mistake, they are deadly. It is important that parents are familiar with this new fentanyl mask and keep it out of the reach of children.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic or artificial opioid; An opioid is a substance that alters the perception of pain and triggers the release of endorphins, causing a transient but intense sensation of pleasure. Doctors can prescribe opioids to treat severe pain, but many opioids can be obtained illegally for illicit purposes. All types of opioids are addictive, and overuse of these medications can cause side effects. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs affecting people in all fifty states. The problem is compounded by the fact that fentanyl is a common impurity in other illicitly acquired substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, THC, and counterfeit alprazolam.
Rainbow Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
"Rainbow Fentanyl - fentanyl pills and powder available in a variety of vivid colors, shapes and sizes - is a deliberate attempt by drug traffickers to promote addiction between children and young adults," said Anne Milgram, administrator of the DEA. "The men and women of the DEA are working tirelessly to stop the rainbow fentanyl trade and eliminate the Mexican drug cartels responsible for most of the fentanyl trade in the United States."
Colored fentanyl is seized in various forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Despite claims that some colors may be stronger than others, there is nothing in the DEA's lab tests to indicate that this is the case. All colors, shapes and sizes of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Two milligrams of fentanyl, which corresponds to 10-15 grains of table salt, is already considered a lethal dose. Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder.
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug for this country. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, with 66% of those deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Drug poisoning is the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. The fentanyl available in the United States is mainly supplied by two criminal drug networks, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Next Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Recent data has revealed a grim reality for drug overdose deaths. Overdose deaths have increased by 44% since the pre-COVID-19 outbreak. The most recent data from the CDC shows that more than 109,000 people in the United States were exposed to drug overdoses in the 12 months ending March 2022. In addition, deaths related to synthetic opioids have increased by 80% in recent years.
deaths caused by Rainbow Fentanyl
This does not mean that the effects of Rainbow Fentanyl are not dangerous, but many experts believe that this particular form of the drug is designed to be a distraction. In fact, the DEA hasn't released any new evidence showing that colors are used specifically to get children's attention. Fentanyl has been available in different colors for years, and some studies have shown that the color is one of the ways that addicts can identify the effect of the drug. This may actually protect some users because they know what they are getting with each color.
Effects of Rainbow Fentanyl on Teenagers and Children
On the other hand, when a substance is marketed as a prescription pill, teenagers and other younger drug-using groups may not be aware that it contains fentanyl. The supply of illicit drugs in the United States is fraught with pitfalls. This is partly due to the fact that substances sold as drugs may contain a mixture of others, including deadly substances such as xylazine and benzodiazepines. The ordeal can increase the likelihood of an overdose due to the combined side effects of these drugs, and opioid overdoses are also likely.
Many fear that multicolored fentanyl may add an interesting or attractive appeal to the drug. However, fentanyl already largely dominates most of the market. No one knows if this will be another factor that will attract teenagers who have never used the substance before.
Opioid overdose
Overdose is common in people who use illicit opioids and in those who abuse prescription drugs. Unfortunately, accidental overdoses in children are on the rise, thanks to new masks like rainbow-colored fentanyl. Children are more prone to overdose due to their smaller size, lighter weight, and intolerance to opioids. An overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.
Overdose symptoms include:
- shallow breathing
- confusion, confusion
- decreased alertness or consciousness
- loss of consciousness
- Blue or gray lips
- Wet or cold skin
- If your child has these symptoms, call 911 right away and give naloxone if available.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a drug that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is safe to use in children with an overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids in your system. Naloxone works in your body for 30 to 90 minutes. Once used, one may continue to feel the effects of an overdose; That's why it's important to seek help right away.
This drug is available in two FDA-approved forms: nasal spray and needle. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, it's important to have naloxone nearby. You can buy it at local pharmacies or local health agencies that sell it widely. For more information on naloxone administration, see SAMHSA's Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit.