Fentanyl Is Showing Up in Party Pills

Recreational pill use has become increasingly common among young adults, with many assuming it’s a relatively safe way to have fun or alleviate anxiety. However, the reality is far more sinister. The illicit market has become a breeding ground for fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that can be deadly even in small amounts. As one woman, Jenna, discovered, the risks associated with buying pills on the street or from unverified sources are very real.

The Fentanyl Problem in Party Pills

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s often used as a cutting agent in illicit pills. It’s odorless and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is responsible for most fentanyl-related deaths. The fact that it’s often mixed with other substances, like Adderall or Xanax, makes it even more deadly.

The Rise of Fentapills

Fentapills are fake pills that contain fentanyl. They’re often designed to look like legitimate prescription medications, such as Percocet or oxycodone. However, they contain a deadly dose of fentanyl, which can be lethal even in small amounts. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration found 74.5 million fentapills in the U.S., with 70% containing a deadly dose of fentanyl.

Nabarun Dasgupta, PhD, MPH, a senior scientist in opioid disorders and overdoses at the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, explains that fentapills are a significant concern. “People are getting their hands on pills that are different from what they were seeking, but with a high risk of overdosing,” he says.

The Dangers of Buying Pills on the Street

Buying pills on the street or from unverified sources is a recipe for disaster. Dealers on social media are often untrustworthy, and the pills they sell may contain fentanyl or other deadly substances. According to Lemrey “Al” Carter, PharmD, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), “You don’t know what anything that anyone is selling on social media contains.”

Moreover, many online pharmacies are acting illegally, with 96% of them operating without proper licenses or regulation. Even if an online pharmacy appears legitimate and safe, it’s essential to be cautious. As Carter notes, “If an online pharmacy is willing to sell prescription drugs to patients who don’t have prescriptions, you can assume it’s not properly licensed or regulated.”

Staying Safe: Fentanyl Test Strips

One of the most crucial steps in staying safe when using recreational pills is to test them with fentanyl test strips. These strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in a substance, helping you avoid a potentially deadly overdose. Harm reduction experts recommend testing an entire batch, as a negative result in one strip doesn’t mean the others are also clear.

DanceSafe, a non-profit drug-checking resource at party scenes around the country, recommends using reputable brands of fentanyl test strips. Their brand is a good option, as it’s been proven to be accurate and reliable.

The Consequences of Fentanyl Overdose

A fentanyl overdose can be fatal, even in small amounts. According to DanceSafe, as little as half a milligram of fentanyl hidden in a drug can lead to an OD. In 2021, 20-year-old Sophia Humphreys died after taking a fake Percocet laced with fentanyl that she bought from a dealer on Snapchat. Almost a year later, 21-year-old Tiffany Iler and 22-year-old Jessica Lopez, two students at Ohio State University, died from fentanyl poisoning at an off-campus apartment.

Conclusion

The risks associated with buying pills on the street or from unverified sources are very real. Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be lethal even in small amounts. To stay safe, it’s essential to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself. Testing pills with fentanyl test strips is a crucial step in avoiding a potentially deadly overdose. Remember, you can’t trust anybody to give you what they say they’re giving you, and you shouldn’t take any pills that you haven’t gotten at a legitimate pharmacy via your own doctor-written prescription.

Practical Tips for Staying Safe

Here are some practical tips for staying safe when using recreational pills:

• Only buy pills from a legitimate pharmacy with a doctor-written prescription.
• Use fentanyl test strips to test your pills for the presence of fentanyl.
• Test an entire batch, as a negative result in one strip doesn’t mean the others are also clear.
• Be wary of online pharmacies, even if they appear legitimate and safe.
• Don’t trust dealers on social media, as they may be untrustworthy.
• Stay informed about the risks associated with fentanyl and other substances.

Final Thoughts

Recreational pill use can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s essential to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself. The risks associated with fentanyl and other substances are very real, and it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce your risk of a potentially deadly overdose and stay safe while enjoying your party experience.

Resources

For more information on fentanyl and other substances, visit the following resources:

• DanceSafe: A non-profit drug-checking resource at party scenes around the country.
• NABP’s Buy Safely site: A resource for vetting online pharmacies.
• The FDA’s BeSafeRx: A resource for finding legitimate online pharmacies.