In recent years, Kansas has seen a growing concern over a new and lethal threat to public health: Rainbow Fentanyl. This deadly drug has been making headlines across the United States, and its presence in the Sunflower State is raising alarms among law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and communities. In this blog, we'll explore the facts about Rainbow Fentanyl, its origin, dangers, and what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Its name comes from the various colorful appearances of the pressed fentanyl pills which can be easily mistaken for candy or prescription medication. This makes rainbow fentanyl especially dangerous for kids and young adults. The pills, frequently marketed as drugs other than fentanyl, pose a significant health threat to unsuspecting users. These pills are lethal to children and those without a fentanyl tolerance.
Potency: Fentanyl is already one of the most potent opioids on the market. Rainbow fentanyl is fentanyl mixed with other prescription opioids and/or heroin making it extremely dangerous. Even a small amount can be fatal.
Color: The DEA has seized large quantities of rainbow fentanyl pills in every color on the rainbow - hence the name. These brightly colored pills mimic the appearance of candy and can be easily ingested by children. The look of these pills appears to be an intentional attempt to target young adults - creating a whole new generation of fentanyl addiction.
Inconsistent Composition: With pressed pills, the ability to measure consistent dosages of fentanyl is extremely difficult. These are not pills being made in a pharmacy with government regulations. These pills are being made by hand by criminals. For the user, the ability to gauge how much fentanyl they are taking per pill is nearly impossible which increases the chances of a fatal fentanyl overdose.
High Risk of Overdose: Fentanyl already has a high risk of overdose. Depending on what other drugs are mixed with rainbow fentanyl, and the potency of the pill, users are more likely to continue re-dosing at greater frequencies. This puts individuals at higher risk of fentanyl overdose and death.
Rainbow fentanyl pills make their way into the United States through various routes around the country. With Midwest and Southeast states being hit the hardest by the fentanyl epidemic, the odds of these pills already being in Kansas is high. With over 287 million lethal doses of fentanyl already seized this year, the DEA has created a public service campaign titled, “One Pill Can Kill." The campaign is aimed at informing the public about the dangers of fentanyl use and providing updates on the types of fentanyl being sold around the country. Several Kansas and Missouri news outlets have already begun reporting about the potential harm rainbow fentanyl will cause to the local communities.
To protect yourself and loved ones, keep in mind these suggestions:
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest fentanyl developments in your area and be able to identify the differences between candy, prescription medications, and rainbow fentanyl.
Talk with Friends and Family: Conversations about drug use and its dangers are encouraged. Open lines of communication around fentanyl is crucial to keeping people safe and allowing those who are struggling to ask for help.
Seek Professional Help: If help for fentanyl abuse is needed, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional help. Treatment centers and healthcare professionals are trained and experienced to help those struggling in a safe and confidential manner.
Never Take Unprescribed Medication: Avoid taking any medication that does not come prescribed from a doctor and received from a pharmacy. If you’re not sure about the origin of a medicine, consult with your doctor or a trained medical professional.
As the government cracks down on illicit drug use, fentanyl will continue to evolve in its appearance and form. Staying informed on the changing landscape of fentanyl distribution in this country could save lives. If someone you know is struggling with fentanyl, call Sunflower Recovery today. Our knowledgeable addiction specialists can lay out a plan for recovery and healing can start immediately.