Tag: fake pills

Fentanyl: Facts for the Digital World

aneal Drugs, Opioids, social media, Substance Use, Trends

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”19px||0px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]You may have seen some recent articles on the RAYSAC News page about fentanyl, but what exactly is fentanyl?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ width=”100%” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but up to 100 times more powerful. Fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, but because it is so powerful, it is also illegally manufactured and sold. Fentanyl is so strong that very small doses can cause an overdose or death.

Recently, criminal drug organizations have been adding fentanyl as an ingredient in their counterfeit pills to increase their profits on the black market. However, a person may think these pills are authentic painkillers, when they are actually fakes that contain fentanyl. This can lead to unintentional overdose or death. In fact, according to a Virginia Department of Health report, fentanyl was involved in 71% of all drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020. The number of fentanyl overdose deaths has risen sharply over the past 5 years.¹

Unfortunately, social media has made it easier for dealers to sell drugs online, even to youth. Drug dealers can create anonymous profiles to sell illegal pills (potentially containing lethal amounts of fentanyl), often using coded messages and emojis.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/faux_fentynal_lethal_dose.jpg” alt=”DEA illustration of 2 milligrams of fentanyl next to a penny.” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ animation=”off” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Image source: Drug Enforcement Administration (dea.gov/onepill)[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jarod Forget” job_title=”Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division” company_name=”Quoted at this link²” url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jarod-Forget.jpg” quote_icon=”off” quote_icon_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”17px” author_font_size=”14px” position_font_size=”14px” company_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” company_text_color=”#0C71C3″ company_font_size=”14px” link_option_url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22quote_icon_color%22%93}”]“Unfortunately, our kids are much more savvy with social media than we are. And they are the ones we see finding this stuff and dying from it. We must spread the word and stop this from happening in our communities.”[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]So what can we do about this fentanyl problem?

First, protect yourself by only taking medicine as instructed. Follow the directions on the medicine’s label, and do not share prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take; ask about their side effects and interactions with other substances. Do not take pills if you are not sure they came from a licensed pharmacy.

Next, have a conversation with the youth and young adults in your life. Share reliable information with them about the risks of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and drug misuse. Have a conversation about social media and how youth can protect themselves online. If you are a parent or guardian, monitor your kids’ online habits and consider using parental control settings to block unsafe websites. You can also learn about the latest social media trends and what different emojis mean. The DEA has listed some examples of emojis used to sell drugs online at this link: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf

Finally, share this information with others. You can help raise awareness of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and ways we can protect each other. And if you would like to get rid of any unwanted medications in your home, visit TakeThemBack.org to find a secure disposal box location near you.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_style_top=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References

1. Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (Jan 2022). Fatal drug overdose quarterly report – 3rd quarter 2021. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/18/2022/01/Quarterly-Drug-Death-Report-FINAL-Q3-2021.pdf

2. DEA Washington Division, Public Information Office. (Feb 16, 2022). Fentanyl deaths climbing, DEA Washington continues the fight. https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight 

 [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_after=”||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, and Urdu.

You can view a translation of this page by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px||100px|false|true” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|-40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]

Connect with us on social media!

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TakeThemBack-link-RADAR.png” title_text=”TakeThemBack link” url=”https://takethemback.org/” url_new_window=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”150px” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]

Prosecutor portrayed in “DopeSick” Speaks with “Connect and Dissect” Podcast

aneal Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Substance Use, Trends Leave a comment

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm7fcrfb_nw” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

DEA Warns of Deadly Fake Pills

aneal Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Substance Use, Trends
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized more than 9.5 million deadly fake pills so far in 2021, according to a September public safety alert. These pills are manufactured by criminal networks and sold illegally on the black market, often through social media and online stores. These fake pills are made to look like prescription opioids, such as Oxycontin® or Vicodin®; or stimulants, like Adderall®. However, these counterfeits often secretly contain powerful drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamine.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/30mg-Authentic-Oxy-left-vs-30mg-Counterfeit-R_watermark-scaled.jpg” alt=”One authentic and one counterfeit 30mg oxycodone pill sit next to each other.” title_text=”30mg Authentic Oxy left vs 30mg Counterfeit R_watermark” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” height=”200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In this picture, there appear to be two 30mg oxycodone pills. But one of the pills is a fake, and could easily contain fentanyl instead of effective medicine. Without a lab test, it would be nearly impossible to tell which of these pills is safe and which might kill you. One of these pills is clearly a different color than the other, but this is just an example. Medicine comes with all different sizes, colors, shapes, and imprints. Some fake pills might look exactly like the real thing, yet they may contain fentanyl without the buyer knowing.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid, about 100 times stronger than morphine. Because fentanyl is so potent, a dose of only 2mg is considered deadly. A deadly dose of fentanyl is small enough to fit on the tip of a number 2 pencil, as shown in this picture.

The DEA recently reported that the number of fake pills with fentanyl they have seized has increased by nearly 430% since 2019. Of those fake pills containing fentanyl, DEA lab testing showed that 2 out of every 5 pills contained a deadly dose of fentanyl (Source: DEA Fact Sheet Sept 2021: www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/DEA_Fact_Sheet-Counterfeit_Pills.pdf).

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51125495562_5c937bf5ee_k.jpg” alt=”A lethal dose of fentanyl is small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil.” title_text=”51125495562_5c937bf5ee_k” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”left” height=”275px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

If you are not sure where a pill came from, do not rely on your eyes to tell if it is authentic and safe. The only way to be sure a pill is legitimate is if it was obtained from a licensed medical professional. Whether you fill your prescriptions at a physical or online pharmacy, you can ensure your medicine is safe by checking their license from the state Board of Pharmacy. You can find out more about the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and look up pharmacist licenses, by visiting www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy/.

RAYSAC sponsors several permanent drug drop boxes that can be found all across the Roanoke Valley. If you want to get rid of any drugs, whether they came from a safe, licensed source or not, you can find the nearest permanent drop box at www.takethemback.org.

For more information about counterfeit pills, including the DEA public safety alert, fact sheet, and images mentioned here, visit www.dea.gov/onepill.

To learn more about how the FDA ensures the safety of the country’s drug supply chain, visit www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-supply-chain-integrity.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]