How To Recognize Xanax Laced With Fentanyl

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription drug used for anxiety and panic disorders.

However, because the risk of Xanax addiction is high, medical professionals prescribe the drug sparingly.

Although legal Xanax is limited, street Xanax is widely available and often sold through social media.

This illegal Xanax, like all street drugs, is highly dangerous because many of these drugs contain fentanyl. Fentanyl-laced Xanax comes with a risk of fatal overdose.

What Is Fentanyl-Laced Xanax?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller. Legally, it is only available as a prescription, but because fentanyl is easily replicated, it is often sold on the street.

Fentanyl-laced Xanax is alprazolam mixed with fentanyl and pressed into pill form.

Why Is Fentanyl-Laced Xanax Sold On The Street?

Powdered fentanyl has a lot of advantages for people who sell drugs on the street.

As a white powder, fentanyl looks very similar to many prescription medications and other drugs. When it is mixed with these other drugs, it can be difficult to tell the difference.

Furthermore, fentanyl increases the potency of many other drugs, creating a stronger high. This can make fentanyl-laced Xanax more appealing to people who use the drug and more profitable for drug traffickers.

Why Is Fentanyl-Laced Xanax Dangerous?

Fentanyl itself is dangerous because it is far more powerful than many other opioids, including oxycodone and even heroin.

Therefore, it takes less fentanyl than other opioids to result in an overdose, leading to more overdose deaths.

Many people have taken counterfeit drugs without knowing that these drugs contain fentanyl.

As a result, people have often underestimated the potency of the drug and suffered an accidental drug overdose. Fentanyl overdoses are a leading concern in the opioid epidemic.

Fentanyl is especially dangerous when mixed with Xanax because these two drugs share many side effects.

For example, both fentanyl and Xanax side effects include sedation, slowed breathing, and lowered heart rate. When the two drugs are combined, these side effects can be fatal.

If you or a loved one has a Xanax or opioid addiction, the best thing you can do is to seek addiction treatment. Also, consider asking a pharmacist about naloxone.

Naloxone is an emergency medication that can restore normal breathing during an opioid overdose. By having the drug on hand, you can be prepared in the event you or someone you know overdoses on Xanax laced with fentanyl.

How To Recognize Fake Xanax Pills And Fentanyl-Laced Xanax

It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between real Xanax and counterfeit Xanax pills. Drug dealers have become very adept at making illegal drugs appear like real prescription pills.

It is safest to assume that street drugs contain fentanyl and other synthetic substances.

In fact, in a report on fake drugs, one Oregon law enforcement officer stated that within an entire year, every Xanax pill seized by Portland’s Drugs and Vice Division was counterfeit.

Still, people may test their drugs and look for clues to gain a better idea of a pill’s legitimacy.

What Does Real Xanax Look Like?

The appearance of Xanax varies slightly based on the dose.

Xanax pills, or bars, are divided into segments. Sometimes, Xanax appears in round or oval form.

Xanax pills vary in color as well. It comes in white, orange, and blue pills.
Legitimate pills will have an imprint from the manufacturer, so if a pill does not have a marking, it is almost certainly counterfeit.

However, drug dealers also add markings to their products to make them look real, so an imprint does not guarantee that a pill is legitimate.

Availability Of Prescription Xanax

The regional availability of prescription Xanax may provide clues about local street drugs.

In areas that place high restrictions on benzodiazepines, drug dealers may not be able to access real pills and may rely on counterfeit substances instead.

Fentanyl Test Strips

The safest way to ensure that a drug does not contain fentanyl is to use a fentanyl test strip. Test strips are available in several areas as a harm reduction measure.

They detect the presence of fentanyl in many prescription and illicit drugs, allowing people to make more informed choices regarding their drug use.

Find Addiction Treatment At Spring Hill Recovery Center

Xanax laced with fentanyl is a serious concern, adding to the difficulties that people with a substance use disorder face.

However, addiction can be treated, and people can regain control over their physical and mental health.

Spring Hill Recovery Center offers multiple drug abuse treatment options, including medical detox, to help people recover from addiction.

If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment, contact Spring Hill today for more information.