The opioid epidemic has plagued the United States for decades, evolving from a surge in painkiller prescriptions to a widespread crisis of addiction and illegal opioid use. Initially, many individuals were unaware of the highly addictive nature of prescription opioids, and far too few sought formal treatment for their dependency. As a result, some turned to stronger, more dangerous substances. In recent years, synthetic opioids, such as the 'pink drug,' have become a major driving force behind the ongoing crisis.
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What Is the Pink Drug?
The synthetic opioid U-47700 is a pink powder drug that is highly potent and addictive. Because of its distinctive color, it is more commonly called pink. It typically comes in the form of a powder that is snorted or injected, but it can also come in tablet form. Like fentanyl, which is rising in popularity, U-47700 is far more potent than morphine, making it far more deadly as well.
Side effects of U-47700 can include:
- Intense itchiness
- Noticeable mood changes
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Overdose and death
Substance use disorder for any substance presents risks to the person using it, but this drug holds a lot of danger.
The Dangers of the Pink Drug
The effects of the pink drug can be deadly. In 2016, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency classified U-47700 as a Schedule I drug because of its high propensity for abuse and lack of approved medical use. The FDA has also never approved this drug for human consumption. Even with these restrictions, people have been able to get a hold of this drug, but at times the consequences have been fatal.
The pink drug effects are like that of heroin and other opioids, but because of its high potency, the effects are much stronger. For this reason, people only need to take a small dose to feel the same effects as they would with weaker opioids. Due to its high potency and the fact that not everyone is aware of how strong this opioid is, pink is known to lead to overdose. Signs of a U-47700 overdose can include repressed breathing and loss of consciousness.
Another big danger of pink is that people might be taking this drug without realizing it. In some cases, U-47700 has been found in tablet form meant to mimic prescription opioids. In other cases, the powder was distributed like heroin. Thinking they are taking these other drugs, people will unknowingly administer pink and overdose because of its stronger potency. From 2015 to 2016, pink was linked to at least 46 confirmed deaths.2 Since that time, the opioid epidemic has not shown any signs of slowing down any
time soon. With the number of people using synthetic opioids rising, there are likely to be many pink-drug-related deaths to come.
The Pink Drug's Effect on the Brain
Like other opioids, U-47700 works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, specifically the mu-opioid receptors, which are responsible for pain relief, feelings of euphoria, and sedation. When these receptors are activated, they flood the brain with dopamine, which produces the euphoric high associated with opioid use. According to a study published in MDPI's journal on neuroscience, opioids like U-47700 interact with these receptors to produce significant central nervous system suppression, which is the root of both the pain-relieving and dangerous effects of the drug.
This interaction with the brain also suppresses the central nervous system, leading to dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression. This suppression can slow breathing to the point of death, particularly with drugs as potent as U-47700. The drug’s extreme potency means that even small amounts can lead to an overdose, which is compounded by the high potential for addiction.
You can read more about how U-47700 affects the brain here.
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Signs and Symptoms of Pink Drug Use
Recognizing the signs of pink drug use can be crucial in helping someone who may be struggling with addiction. Some key physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms include:
Immediate effects:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Euphoria followed by drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
Long-term effects:
- Noticeable changes in mood or behavior
- Increased secrecy or isolation
- Weight loss or other physical decline
- Difficulty maintaining responsibilities at work or school
Symptoms of withdrawal when not using the drug include irritability, restlessness, and intense cravings. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek help immediately.
Common Reasons for Drug Abuse
When a person makes a choice to abuse a substance like the pink drug, there could be a slew of reasons that contribute to this.
Possible causes of drug abuse can include:
- Abuse
- Trauma
- Peer pressure
- Grief
- Loss of a relationship
- Educational pressure
- Boredom
- Performance enhancement
- Misinformation
- Curiosity
- Unaddressed mental illness
The last factor - mental illness - is particularly poignant and something that our rehab centers work to address daily. It highlights the very real connection between mental illness and addiction, leaving many to wonder why they keep falling victim to relapse despite seeking out help. For true healing to occur, all facets of a person’s mental health need to be addressed comprehensively. Otherwise, they run the risk of falling victim to their co-occurring disorders.
Treatment Options for Pink Drug Addiction
Given the extreme potency and high risk of overdose associated with the pink drug, seeking professional treatment is crucial for anyone struggling with addiction to U-47700. At Banyan Treatment Center, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to each individual’s needs.
- Medical detox: Detoxing from opioids like U-47700 should always be done under medical supervision due to the severe withdrawal symptoms. Our medically monitored detox program ensures patients detox safely and comfortably.
- Residential treatment: Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment where patients can focus on recovery without the distractions or temptations of daily life.
- Outpatient services: For individuals who cannot commit to inpatient treatment, our outpatient programs offer flexible scheduling while still providing comprehensive care, including therapy, counseling, and support.
To learn more about the programs and therapies that we have to offer at a Banyan Treatment Center near you, reach out to us now at 888-280-4763.
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