Opioids weren’t supposed to get much worse after the recent surge of fentanyl and other synthetic opioid analogues like carfentanil, W-18, and U-47700. Throughout the entirety of the last year, synthetic opioid drugs have been reported as quickly as possible and made aware to the public. Problematically, authorities have found that synthetic opioids were appearing in other illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fake benzodiazepine pills. Synthetic drugs are challenging for the government to monitor because of the malleability of their formulae. As soon as a drug is listed as a controlled synthetic substance, one ingredient change in its formula can create a new drug and a new problem. Such is the issue with “gray death” being widely reported for causing numerous overdoses in a short period of time. Aside from its ominous concrete gray color and chunky texture the second part of the drug’s namesake comes from the deadly combination of drugs which create it. Gray death brings together all of the dangerous synthetic drugs which have individually accounted for surges of overdose deaths and widespread panic among city and states. U.S. News reports that “The substance is a combination of several opioids blamed for thousands of fatal overdoses nationally, including heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil– sometimes used to tranquilize large animals like elephants– and a synthetic opioid called U-47700.”
Ingesting the drug in any way is not the only threat. Similar to other drugs which have been coined “the most dangerous drug in the world”, “these strong drugs can be absorbed through the skin,” the article warns. “Simply touching the powder puts users at risk.” A drug that fatal and absorbable puts lab analysts, first responders, hospital staff, and government officials at risk as well.
When trying to emphasize the danger of continuing to use drugs to someone who is addicted to them there is usually explanation of a common philosophy, that they will not be able to know which drug is their last. Today, with synthetic drugs and lethal combinations with “gray death” that could not be a more accurate depiction of reality. Buying drugs is a gamble. There is little way to guarantee that heroin will be heroin, or any drug will be as the drug dealer promised. Continuing to live for one more hit could mean the end of someone’s life.
You are worthy of the love and freedom of recovery. If you are afraid you won’t be able to change, Design For Change can show you the way. Our programs help clients take action one step at a time to change their lives. For information on our detox and treatment programs, call us today at (877) 267-3646.
