Unfortunately, many drug dealers have taken on a new role as a chef, creating concoctions of multiple deadly drugs. By mixing cheaper but more potent drugs like fentanyl into illicit drugs and prescription drugs, those struggling with substance use disorder are at an even higher risk of overdose and death. At Midwest Recovery Center, we can help educate you about these dangers while finding a drug addiction treatment program that meets your needs. Drug addiction in Ohio is on the rise, as in many other states, but treatment is available.
How Dealers Are Altering Drugs
Drug dealers have been marketing what they sell on the street as pills, heroin, or cocaine when in reality, it is a mix of different drugs they created to make more money while spending less. The mixed drugs could be opiates, such as fentanyl, stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. However, there is no way to know what you are actually getting. This can also be the case when dealing with prescription drugs because many pharmaceutical companies use unregulated suppliers. These deadly concoctions are the dealer’s security. Getting users hooked to their specific product means they will be forced to continue to return, regardless of price or consequence, to stay well.
Drug dealers are spending less money on synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, which is why they may be using it to cut all of their drugs, including stimulants such as cocaine. In New York, a statement was released warning people who recreationally use drugs such as cocaine or MDMA that they could be contaminated with fentanyl and cause an overdose death. Iowa police and a DEA spokesman warned about counterfeit pills that, they say, could have fooled a pharmacist. In Mississippi, police pleaded with users to take precautions due to fentanyl found in multiple drugs found on the street.
Fortunately, at Midwest Recovery Center, we have the expertise to treat a wide range of substance use disorders. We offer addiction treatment programs covering:
- Alcohol Addiction Treatment
- Cocaine Addiction Treatment
- Heroin Addiction Treatment
- Marijuana Addiction Treatment
- Meth Addiction Treatment
- Opiate Addiction Treatment
- Opioid Addiction Treatment
- Painkiller Addiction Treatment
- Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
The Danger of Counterfeit Medications
Counterfeit pills could contain only fentanyl in them, regardless of being labeled as Xanax or Oxycodone, which would cause an immediate overdose. Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine. Only one spec could cause an overdose.
This problem has become so commonplace that five states have released statements about it. They were joined by the Drug Enforcement Agency which released a separate federal statement. These groups warned those addicted that any drug bought on the street could be counterfeit, contain fentanyl be deadly. 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 withdrawals 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.
Find the Support You Need By Reaching Out to Midwest Recovery Center
Every time you use, regardless of your drug of choice, if you are trying it for the first time or think you “know” your dealer, you are playing Russian roulette. These dealers keep you hooked to what they are selling, and 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 struggles with addiction, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Midwest Recovery Center, we offer numerous programs to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder heal and recover, such as:
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Treatment Program
- Community Housing
- Alumni Program
Our admissions specialists can help you get sober and into detox today. So reach out to us today at 833.627.0039.
