Drug lacing, a clandestine practice gaining alarming traction in illicit drug markets, poses profound risks to individuals and communities alike. By adulterating substances with potent additives such as fentanyl, dealers not only maximize profits but also ensnare users in a perilous cycle of addiction and potential overdose. This deceptive tactic underscores the urgent need for awareness and action to address the insidious threat posed by laced drugs. Atlanta Detox Center is taking an in-depth look at the dangers of these counterfeit drugs, how this is being addressed, and the ways in which we can help affected individuals heal.

Why Do People Lace Drugs?

Drug dealers have been marketing what they sell on the street as pills, heroin, or cocaine. But in reality, it is likely a product of fentanyl cutting. Creating counterfeit drugs in this way allows dealers to make more money while spending less. These deadly concoctions are dealers’ security by getting users a fentanyl addiction to their specific product. Fentanyl is much stronger than heroin. People with opioid use disorders will often seek out stronger drugs to stay well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, More than 399,000 people died from overdoses involving any opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids, between 1999 and 2017. The “third wave” of drug overdoses began in 2013 when fentanyl cutting became more prevalent. According to the CDC, since 1999, more than 1,000,000 people have died from drug overdose.¹

Counterfeit pills could contain only fentanyl in them, regardless of them being labeled as Xanax or Oxycodone. The fentanyl effects could cause someone used to taking benzodiazepines an immediate drug overdose. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine. Even one dose of fentanyl could cause an overdose. This problem is occurring all over the United States. The Drug Enforcement Agency continues to issue warnings that any drugs bought on the street could be a counterfeit version.²

Besides adding fentanyl to drugs, dealers have been mixing heroin with Xanax and barbiturates. Adding other prescription drugs to heroin or cocaine is not only dangerous but can make withdrawals more difficult to overcome and even cause seizures when Xanax is involved. The different additives will also cause the user to experience withdrawal from one or more of the other drugs. These additives may be heroin mixed with fentanyl and Xanax, muscle relaxers, tramadol, or cocaine mixed with fentanyl and Adderall.

Fighting multiple withdrawal symptoms makes the detox process difficult for many, which keeps them in the grips of their addiction. These dealers are keeping you hooked on what they are selling. Your life is in danger every time you use it. You have no idea what could be in that pill or in that bag. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to go through this alone.

What Makes Lacing Drugs So Dangerous?

Lacing drugs, which is the practice of adulterating or mixing substances with illegal narcotics, poses serious health and safety dangers. The inclusion of unidentified or dangerous drugs may have unanticipated, possibly fatal effects on consumers. Drug users are frequently unaware of the extra elements or their potency, which raises the risk of overdose or adverse effects. This is one of the main risks associated with drug lacing.

Key factors contributing to the perilous nature of lacing drugs include:

• Unpredictable Effects: Laced drugs can produce unpredictable reactions due to the presence of unknown substances. Users may experience unexpected side effects or heightened toxicity levels, increasing the risk of overdose or medical emergencies.
• Variable Potency: Adulterants added to drugs can vary significantly in potency, leading to inconsistencies in the strength of the substance. This variability makes it challenging for users to gauge their dosage accurately, heightening the risk of overdose or underdose.
• Health Risks: Many substances used to lace drugs are harmful or toxic to the body, posing serious health risks even in small amounts. These risks may include organ damage, neurological impairment, or cardiovascular complications.
• Addiction Potential: Lacing drugs with additional substances, such as opioids or stimulants, can increase their addictive properties, trapping individuals in cycles of substance dependence and escalating the likelihood of long-term harm.

The dangers associated with lacing drugs underscore the importance of drug education, harm reduction strategies, and access to substance abuse treatment and support services. Efforts to combat the proliferation of laced drugs must prioritize public health interventions aimed at reducing harm and promoting safer practices within communities affected by substance misuse.

How to Identify Counterfeit Drugs

Identifying counterfeit drugs is critical to protecting public health and guaranteeing the efficacy of medical treatments. One of the key strategies for identifying counterfeit pharmaceuticals is to carefully examine the package and labeling. A possible counterfeit can be identified by anomalies like misspelled text, uneven printing, or differences in color and typeface. Furthermore, determining authenticity can be aided by looking for indications of tampering on the box, such as cracked seals or strange glue marks.

A vital component in detecting fake medications is confirming the reliability of the source. The likelihood of coming across fake goods is decreased when prescription drugs are bought from reputable pharmacies, medical professionals, or authorized Internet pharmacies. In addition, using technologies like drug authentication tools—which could involve barcode scanning or unique serial numbers—can help verify the legitimacy of pharmaceuticals. Combating the circulation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and preserving public health also heavily depends on remaining aware of typical counterfeit drug scams and reporting any concerns to regulatory authorities.

Enter Our Drug Detox in Atlanta Today

As one of the top detox centers in Georgia, we are committed to offering medically assisted detox to those who need it most. Our 24/7 nursing staff will keep withdrawal symptoms under control while you are detoxing from alcohol, prescription drugs, opioids, methamphetamine, and heroin. Our staff will help you develop a treatment plan before you leave our facility, while our admissions specialists can help you get sober and into detox today.

Let go and allow us to carry these burdens alongside you. Call out Georgia Detox Center at 844-658-0927 today.

Sources:

1. CDC – Drug Overdose Deaths
2. DEA – One Pill Can Kill