You may have heard about how fentanyl abuse has become a severe problem across the country. What you may not know is this dangerous narcotic is now manufactured in a form called rainbow fentanyl. Disguised as candy, sidewalk chalk, and other appearances, this opioid drug can tempt young people who don’t know what they are ingesting. It can also fool adults who mistake the drug for legitimate prescription pills.
What is Rainbow Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic type of opioid that is between 50 and 100 times more dangerous and potent than heroin and morphine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the country. In 2021, two-thirds of the approximately 107,000 drug overdoses involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. A scary new trend of selling and ingesting rainbow fentanyl has begun creeping across the country. Law enforcement officials have seized this type of fentanyl in over half of all the states since last August.
Rainbow fentanyl is now being manufactured in pill and powder form. Additionally, it is produced in blocks that look like a child’s sidewalk chalk. All forms of it are created using several different bright colors and shapes. This type of appearance targets children and young people who may mistake the drug for candy. Drug cartels and individual dealers want to increase the number of people who consume and become addicted to this dangerous drug to increase their profit margins.
What Are Pressed Pills?
Another danger that comes with fentanyl involves something called pressed pills. Pressed pills are intentionally manufactured to resemble actual prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, benzos, Xanax, and Adderall. They include using fentanyl powder, often with the person who takes them being unaware of this secret ingredient.
Sadly, many people believe they are purchasing legitimate medications but end up taking dangerous fake versions of them. This trend of selling and consuming pressed pills proves deadly for some. No prescription medication should be taken unless it is obtained from a licensed pharmacy or physician.
Is Rainbow Fentanyl Dangerous?
Fentanyl presents a clear danger to those who abuse it or use it unknowingly. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid more powerful than drugs like heroin. It contains a real risk for someone becoming addicted to it after even just a few uses. Addiction can develop when someone who has been prescribed the drug begins to rely on it.
As well, many people use this drug recreationally without understanding how easy it is to overdose or develop an addiction. Of the rainbow fentanyl pressed pills the DEA analyzed in 2022, sixty percent contained a dosage of fentanyl that could potentially result in an overdose. Because this type of fentanyl is aimed at children and young adults, it can present a risk they do not understand.
Similar to manufacturers of vaping materials, fentanyl makers have tapped into the market of children and teens. Sadly, this age group may believe they are just eating candy. As well, people who think they are buying legitimate medications from friends, dealers, or online, often assume they are safe products to take.
What is Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction Like?
Treatment for addiction to fentanyl, including rainbow fentanyl, begins with a detox program. Buckhead Behavioral Health offers a rehab program specifically for fentanyl addiction. We offer different levels of outpatient care to meet the needs of each person who comes to us for help. We begin by assessing each person to understand how fentanyl has impacted their life. This includes their history of addiction and how much they typically took. We also assess for any other substance use disorders in order to provide a full array of addiction care.
From there, the person begins attending therapy sessions proven to help aid in recovering from addiction. Our facility offers a wide array of services in order to give everyone exposure to multiple avenues of help. Our skilled staff uses their years of experience to help people stop relying on fentanyl. We can also treat any co-occurring mental illnesses, such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Does Insurance Cover Fentanyl Addiction?
All forms of substance use disorders fall under the heading of medical conditions, including addiction to regular and rainbow fentanyl. Most insurance companies cover some form of treatment for drug addiction. Anyone interested in using their policy to get help should contact their insurance company. They can find out what coverage is available to them and what, if any, cost they will incur. Alternatively, many treatment facilities offer to check to see if your insurance covers their plans.
Find Help for Rainbow Fentanyl Addiction Today
Have you found yourself caught up in the world of fentanyl addiction? Drugs like rainbow fentanyl provide easy highs that can quickly turn into a dangerous and even deadly addiction. Buckhead Behavioral Health offers world-class treatment for substance use disorders. Our detox in Atlanta and several types of outpatient programs help people stop using fentanyl for good. We help you regain your physical health and live a sober life.
If you would like to find out more about getting help for fentanyl addiction today, visit our admissions page. We can show you how to put an end to drug abuse.
