Known as a street drug or party drug, however, fentanyl-laced cocaine is a deadly concoction. It is a concoction, a mixture of illegal means with ill intent. Fentanyl-laced cocaine preys on the user. Dealers lace cocaine not only for profit but without safety concerns. Fentanyl laced cocaine leads in usage as an illicit drug. Many cocaine users remain unaware of the potential lacing dangers and when laced with fentanyl, it is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
According to the CDC, the potency increases the high risk of overdose. Fentanyl laced cocaine is responsible for the spike in overdoses from illicit drugs. Findings reveal that less than two milligrams of fentanyl potentially results in an overdose or death.
There are two types of fentanyl:
- Pharmaceutical fentanyl- is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain typically after surgery, as well as for cancer pain management.
- Illicitly manufactured fentanyl- is extremely dangerous and distribution is through the illegal drug network.
Both are synthetic opioids with overdose potential.
What You Need to Know
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is a prescription for pain relief. It is often available for the care of cancer patients. Users will administer Fentanyl by injection, fentanyl patches, as well as lozenges. Fentanyl is used medically for people who have chronic pain and do not respond to other treatments. For example, if morphine or meperidine is no longer effective.
Furthermore, fentanyl works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors and blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The drug slows breathing and causes euphoria, making it a popular recreational drug on the street. People without a chronic pain condition seek a high sensation experiment with fentanyl.
Close medical supervision of fentanyl benefits the patient under doctor advisement. Illegal, illicit fentanyl use is dangerous, deadly, and typically the user is unaware of taking it until it’s too late.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Laced Cocaine
In recent years, an increase in cocaine addiction indicates that the deadly concoction is becoming more and more common. Thus, fentanyl-laced cocaine use has increased exponentially.
The effects of fentanyl-laced cocaine include increasing alertness and heart rate, as well as decreasing appetite. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug leading to many negative consequences. When mixing these two addictive and dangerous substances there are many negative side effects, including:
- hallucinations
- paranoia
- seizures
- death
The danger of fentanyl-laced cocaine is not new but is still very real. Illegal fentanyl use is rising due to its potency and low cost.
Preventing an Overdose
Opioids are drugs that people take for pain relief or recreational purposes. According to the NIH, nearly 92,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids. Although these numbers are high, there are ways to reduce the risk of an overdose. Never take more than a doctor prescribes and be aware if you’re going through opioid reactions before taking more.
Awareness of the street names for fentanyl increases the ability to recognize and avoid it.
- Apache
- Dance Fever
- Friend
- Goodfellas
- Jackpot
- Murder 8
- China Girl
- Tango & Cash
- China Town
- China White
- Great Bear
- He-Man
- Poison
Recognize the Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl will take the life of someone when unaware of the signs and symptoms. Know the signs of potential overdose and take immediate action. If you have Naloxone (Narcan) handy, use it and immediately call for emergency medical care.
Signs of overdose
Knowledge of opioid overdose indicators can help save lives. Some of the signs to be aware of include:
- Dilated pupils
- Drowsiness or losing consciousness
- Shallow, weak breathing
- A weak, limp body
- Discolored skin, nails, and lips
- Cold clammy skin
- Choking sounds, gurgling
Help is available
To conclude, fentanyl-laced cocaine is a dangerous drug that needs more awareness because of its deadly potential. Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller linked to thousands of deaths in the United States. It is on the street as a cheap substitute for more expensive drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help today. Harm Reduction Center is a private healthcare facility offering treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, our goal is to provide addiction services while empowering and assisting our client’s recovery even after leaving the program. If you or a loved one needs help, please contact us today.
