Gray Death Drug: Some Scary Things You Need to Know

America’s opioid epidemic is an ever-changing battle that continues to take lives at an alarming rate.  Opioids are deadly without other added chemicals, and a person’s tolerance level increases with repeated use.  When this happens, a person must find alternate ways to feed an addiction that consistently demands more potent effects.  To get the high their bodies crave, they turn to substances such as gray death drug.

What Is Gray Death Drug?

Gray death drug is described as the scariest, most deadly illicit drug available on the streets today.  It typically contains a combination of opioids that are so potent they can cause immediate overdose and death.  

The term ‘gray death’ refers to the drug’s color which resembles concrete or cement.  It can be large rock-like chunks or a gray powder.  The name is appropriate because the drug can cause death with even minuscule doses.  

Although gray death drug first appeard 2017, the formulations used today are much more potent and deadly.  What makes the drug so frightening is that the potency differs from one batch to another.  Because no two batches are the same, people purchasing the drug have no idea what to expect.  In many cases, a dealer doesn’t disclose what the drug is made of.

How Many Drugs Does Gray Death Contain?

Generally, the gray death drug doesn’t have a set recipe.  It may contain a range of different substances that are highly addictive and harmful.  The variations of gray death available today may include a mixture of the following drugs:  

• Heroin – Most samples of gray death contain some heroin because it produces a rapid high.  The use of heroin can lead to depressed breathing or stop a person from breathing altogether.
• Fentanyl – Fentanyl is popular because it is a cheap substitute for opioids and produces rapid euphoria.  It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.  When combined with other potent drugs, fentanyl can cause a fatal overdose with just one use.
• Carfentanil – Intended for use as an animal tranquilizer, Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine.  A single flake of the drug can tranquilize a 2,000-pound elephant.  Combining this drug with other substances increases the risk of overdose and death significantly.
• U-47700 – Otherwise known as “pink”, this drug has no approved use for humans.  People generally purchase it online as a “research chemical.”  It produces effects similar to heroin and has caused thousands of overdoses nationwide.

Gray death is gaining in popularity for several reasons.  For example, overseas drug producers often change the formulations to evade U.S. drug laws.  As a result, the drugs tend to be more potent and people using the drugs don’t know exactly what chemicals are involved.  Another reason for the drug’s popularity has to do with the fact that it produces a high that no other drug can match.

How Is Gray Death Drug Consumed?

Gray death drug is typically found in pill or tablet form, however, a powder form is also available.  People use the drug by snorting, injecting, smoking, or swallowing.  

Signs of Gray Death Overdose

In general, the effects of gray death drug use can be mild to severe, but the risk of overdose is high due to the differences in composition of the drug.  The most common symptoms of gray death overdose include pale or sweaty face, bluish or purplish lips, irregular pulse, grunting noises, speech difficulties, languid body, and breathing difficulties.

What Are the Side Effects of Gray Death?

Like all addictive drugs that produce euphoric effects, gray death causes harmful and painful side effects because the body can’t properly process the chemicals it contains.  The most common side effects of gray death include the following:

• Constricted pupils
• Dizziness
• Clammy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cravings
• Withdrawals
• Shallow breathing
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Heart failure

Naloxone (Narcan) can be effective in reversing gray death overdose, however, it may take five to ten doses before the effects are felt.  

As a highly addictive drug, gray death produces withdrawal symptoms that encourage the user to seek larger doses of the drug.  With continued use, the risk of overdose or death increases.  With professional addiction treatment, these drastic effects can be avoided.

Treatment for Gray Death Drug Addiction at Design for Change

Overcoming gray death drug addiction is similar to recovering from opioid addiction.  In many cases, medication-assisted treatment is required to help reduce cravings and withdrawals during detox.  After detox, a rehabilitation program will help the individual understand the root causes of their substance use and gain the skills and knowledge to maintain sobriety for the long term.

Design for Change Recovery specializes in treating opioid addictions, including drugs like fentanyl and heroin.  We provide a full continuum of care that includes the following programs:

• Outpatient Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
• Residential / Inpatient Programs
• Intensive Inpatient Programs (IIPs)
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
• Family Therapy
• Aftercare Services

If you or a loved one struggles with gray death drug addiction or any other type of addiction, we can help.  We offer evidence-based practices that promote whole-person healing for long-lasting recovery.  We are a fully licensed, JCAHO-accredited facility staffed by compassionate, skilled professionals who care about your successful recovery.  

Reach out to Design for Change Recovery by phone, email, or online to speak with a treatment advisor.  We will verify your insurance and help you create a treatment plan that is right for your situation.  

Sources:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – Gray Death: A Powerful Opioid Combination Leading to Rapid Fatality

cnn.com/ – “Grey Death”: The Powerful Street Drug That’s Puzzling Authorities