The DEA is warning the public about a new form of fentanyl being pushed on Peoria teens. This rainbow-colored drug is significantly more potent than other forms of fentanyl and has already led to several overdoses and deaths.
Fentanyl: The Basics
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. It can be prescribed legally for pain relief, but it is also being made illegally and sold on the black market. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which increases the risk of overdose. Fentanyl can be very dangerous, even in very small doses, and can lead to respiratory failure and death.
In 2020, it was responsible for over 56,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. There were nearly 2,000 opioid overdoses in Chicago in 2020. A growing number of narcotics deaths involve fentanyl. In 2018, over 25% of opioid deaths resulted from fentanyl. By 2021, deaths in the U.S. doubled to 107,622, and the percentage related to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, doubled to 66% of all deaths. These numbers continue to grow as the deadly drug floods the streets of Peoria.
What is Rainbow Fentanyl?
The DEA has seized brightly colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states with local law enforcement partners. Rainbow fentanyl is colored to appear safe for younger users. History is proof this marketing tactic works on impressionable teens.
These are coming over the border from Mexican drug cartels. Once in the U.S., they’re cut or pressed into other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and MDMA (ecstasy). The cartels are aiming these new versions of fentanyl at teens.
For the past year, Peoria has been fighting a mix of these designer opioid drugs cut with benzodiazepines and xylazine (horse tranquilizer), sometimes called “benzo dope” or “purple heroin.”
Marketed to Teens
The rebranded fentanyl is being pushed on our Peoria teens as rainbow pills.
It’s nothing new. In the past, dealers marketed drugs like MDMA with “happy faces” to lure young people at raves. However, this new form of fentanyl is anything but safe.
Two milligrams of fentanyl is deadly. When you mix it with other drugs, the potency increases, and the error margin shrinks. That’s why the DEA warns that just one pill can kill you.
Brightside Clinic Peoria urges parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of these drugs. We also encourage anyone who is using illegal drugs to seek help immediately. Withdrawal from fentanyl can be deadly without help, so it’s essential to get professional help if you or someone you know is using this drug.
About Brightside Opioid Treatment Clinic Peoria
Brightside Clinic Peoria is an opioid treatment clinic. We provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those struggling with addiction to opioids. Our goal is to help our clients achieve sobriety and live a healthy, productive life.
If you or someone you know is using fentanyl, we urge you to seek help immediately. Call us at 224-205-7863 to speak with one of our addiction specialists. We are here to help 24/7.
Media Contact
Company Name: Brightside Clinic
Contact Person: Phil Atteberry
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1-224-205-7863
Address:24363 Spring Creek Road, Suite A
City: Washington – 61571
State: IL
Country: United States
Website: https://www.brightsideclinic.com/