As the number of overdoses on opioid substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl have increased, toxicology reports have indicated an increase in cocaine overdose as well. There is a cross-mix of cocaine and fentanyl which is proving to be deadly for the drug users who come across it. First, fentanyl is laced with cocaine. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been tested to be up to one hundred times stronger than pure morphine. Created for medical patients who do not respond to typical morphine-based painkillers, fentanyl is designed for potency. Often a clear to white color and a powdery substance, it is easy to lace fentanyl with cocaine. Fentanyl is essentially undetectable, which has made it a danger to first responders and forensic analysts. In an effort to create a more powerful, addictive product, drug manufacturers lace fentanyl with cocaine. Cocaine is also a white, powdery substance, making it the perfect mask for fentanyl. Though overall cocaine addiction has dwindled over the years, as have reports of cocaine overdose, there have been recent spikes of cocaine showing up in toxicology reports because it is found in fentanyl.
Likewise, cocaine is being laced with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a significantly stronger drug than cocaine. Whereas fentanyl is an opioid and a depressant, cocaine is an amphetamine and a stimulant. A drug user who is seeking the stimulating high of cocaine is often surprised by the mixed effect of a serious depressant in addition to an amphetamine. However, too many cocaine user don’t have the chance to experience the effect. Being the strong and undetectable drug that it is, even trace amounts of fentanyl laced into cocaine can cause an instantaneous overdose and possibly death.
Amphetamine and opioid combinations are not new. Famous deaths of celebrities like John Belushi and Chris Farley were the result of intravenous administration of cocaine and heroin. Called “speedballs” this drug combination was popular in the eighties and the nineties. The combination of fentanyl and cocaine is not intentional and it is considerably more dangerous. As fentanyl is up to one hundred times more potent than morphine, it can be up to fifty times more potent than street level heroin- which is already high-risk, especially with fentanyl being a risk.
The most effective way to avoid an overdose on illegal drugs is to seek sobriety. Hired Power is here to support your journey to recovery every step of the way. From intervention and recovery planning to safe passage transportation and aftercare monitoring, our dynamic team of experienced recovery professionals are here to empower your sobriety, bringing recovery home. For more information, call us today at 800-910-9299.
