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Fake Oxycontin is Killing People

Fake Oxycontin is a big trend on the streets in America, and investigators in Minnesota say they’re the cause of fatal overdoses. Usually, they’re laced with fentanyl, which can be fifty to a hundred times as potent than morphine.

Fake But Deadly

In St. Cloud, Minnesota, a recent overdose came from fentanyl marketed on the street as Oxycontin. Some fentanyl has also been passed off to be Oxycodone or Percocet. It’s a nationwide trend in recent months, as drug traffic has stalled at the border during a national pandemic.

The pills are made to look like the real pill, although some have a blueish tint to them. One side of the tablet is blue with the “M” stamped on one side and “30” stamped on the other.

Last month, a Sacramento resident was caught with over 1,000 pills of what appeared to be Oxycontin. When tested, fentanyl came up positive. The sheriff said that there had been 14 documented Fentanyl overdose deaths in Placer County since January. It’s suspected that many fentanyl overdoses are from drugs unknowingly being tainted by fentanyl.

Harm Reduction

Officials want people to stop buying drugs off the street, but in the middle of a pandemic, it’s hard for people to get the services they need. Treatment centers have shut down, and there are fewer options available than before. Harm reduction can help keep drug users safer until they are ready to get sober.

Some organizations focused on harm-reduction online now sell fentanyl test strips to people who use opioids. The strips can help users decide whether or not to use a drug. The FDA also recommends that opioid users carry Narcan, an opioid antagonist that can help reverse the effects of an overdose.

Treatment and Recovery Still Available

Do you want to stop using drugs, but you’re not sure where to start? Do you need help getting sober after a relapse?

It’s never too late to start recovery, no matter who you are or what your drug of choice is. Get in touch with your local 12-step program or mental health department to learn more about what options are available.

Recovery options may have changed, but they are still available. Don’t give up on yourself if you want to get sober.