What Is the Most Dangerous Street Drug in America Right Now?

Fatal fentanyl overdoses have been rising at alarming rates. In 2021, over 106,000 drug overdose deaths were reported. Of those, 70,601 deaths were tied to synthetic opioids, with the majority being fentanyl. To put this into perspective, fentanyl is related to more deaths in the United States for people under the age of 50 than any other cause of death, including car accidents. There’s no way around it — fentanyl is currently the most dangerous street drug in America, and without some changes, the number of overdoses will continue to rise.

Fentanyl goes by several street names, including China Girl, Dance Fever, Friend, Great Bear, He-Man, Jackpot, Murder 8 and many others. It can be taken via pill, snorted, spiked onto blotter paper, or combined with other substances. It’s nearly impossible to detect if someone isn’t looking for it, and it’s commonly used to cut other illicit substances. All of these factors, paired with its high potency and how little is needed to overdose, make it exceedingly dangerous, but the rate of use continues to grow.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically prescribed by doctors as a way to manage severe pain, particularly for those who have recently had surgery or who have advanced-stage cancer. It’s 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine, making it highly effective at pain management but also an attractive option for substance abuse.

People abusing fentanyl typically use illegally made fentanyl, which can be used in liquid and powdered forms. It can be mixed into other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, potentially leading to an overdose when people are unaware that their drugs have been laced.

Is Tranq Dope More Dangerous Than Fentanyl?

Tranq Dope is a combination of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine is a powerful sedative used in veterinary settings. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in 2022, around 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills that were confiscated also contained xylazine. This combination increases the risk of drug overdose, and because xylazine isn’t an opioid, overdose can’t be reversed with naloxone.

Because of xylazine’s synergistic effects with fentanyl and its potency, Tranq Dope poses a serious risk to those who knowingly or unknowingly use it.

Side Effects of Fentanyl

Many times, substance abusers are chasing the “high” produced by fentanyl, which can create a sensation of relaxation and euphoria while also relieving pain. Other side effects of this drug include:

• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Constricted pupils
• Slower breathing (respiratory depression)
• Urinary retention
• Nausea and vomiting
• Incoherence or slurred speech
  

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

If you see someone you suspect has overdosed on fentanyl, there are some easily recognizable signs. Knowing these signs can save precious minutes that could be enough to save their life. Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Loss of consciousness or falling asleep
• Limpness
• Gurgling or choking sounds
• Clammy, cold skin
• Discoloration of the skin, especially around the lips and nails

If these signs are present, contact emergency services immediately, and administer naloxone according to packaging instructions if you have it on hand. This may reverse the overdose.

Why Is It So Easy to Overdose on Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is highly potent, with only two milligrams having the potential to cause an overdose. This, paired with its addictive nature, spurs people abusing the drug to take more to get the intended effects as they develop a tolerance to it. Additionally, fentanyl has no smell or taste, so people who accidentally overdose can consume the drug without knowing, making it easier to ingest enough to be dangerous. The only way to know if a drug has been laced with fentanyl is to use a fentanyl test strip, which many people don’t have easy access to.

Because fentanyl is relatively low in cost, it’s commonly used to mix into other drugs to provide the intended effect while improving profit margins for dealers. However, because this is typically not disclosed, people thinking they are using other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, may unintentionally use fentanyl and overdose or cause a fatal interaction between the drugs.

Additionally, illicit fentanyl is not regulated, meaning its potency isn’t either. Consuming any amount of fentanyl could potentially lead to overdose or death.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

In some cases, people become addicted to fentanyl while using the drug as prescribed by a medical professional. Others may become addicted after using illicit drugs for a period of time. If you suspect that you or a loved one has an addiction to fentanyl, you may notice the following signs:

• Using opioids or fentanyl longer than intended or beyond when it was prescribed
• Spending a significant amount of time seeking and using fentanyl
• Developing cravings to use fentanyl
• Developing an inability to complete daily tasks and responsibilities, such as taking care of your home or being unable to keep up with school or work
• Abandoning activities that were once enjoyable in favor of using fentanyl
• Developing a tolerance to fentanyl and needing to take larger doses to get the intended effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using fentanyl
• Damaging relationships due to fentanyl use
• Continuing to use fentanyl after acknowledging that it is causing problems in life