Treatment for opioid addiction often involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapy, and counseling. There is no way for an average person to tell the difference between a legitimate prescription pill and a counterfeit one just by looking at it. These pills are usually small, round, and light blue, with an “M” on one side and a “30” on the other. The campaign emphasizes that even one counterfeit pill can be deadly, particularly when it contains fentanyl. A dose of fentanyl that would be therapeutic if properly administered in a hospital setting can be fatal when taken in an unregulated form, such as in a counterfeit pill.
Options for treating addiction to the drug known as “Blues” are critical and accessible in Massachusetts. These persistent effects highlight the critical nature of addressing addiction thoroughly with appropriate treatment measures for chronic pain management while being cognizant of potential medical complications that could arise. Becoming addicted to fentanyl can result in ongoing health issues such as cognitive decline and emotional volatility. It’s important for individuals who use drugs not to do so alone and seek support through hotlines if needed. Physical symptoms are significant points toward the consumption of “Blues.” These manifestations often include constricted pupils and decelerated respiration – typical reactions seen with these fake pills’ usage.
What Are Blues Drugs?
However, for many, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a great way to start challenging opioid addiction at a dedicated detox and recovery facility. M30s from a healthcare provider already come with risks as they contain oxycodone – an addictive opioid. In 2021 alone, there were a recorded 70,601 overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. A person taking fentanyl pills without preparing for it can quickly lead to overdose and life-threatening situations.
Mostly originating from Mexico’s major drug cartels such as Sinaloa and Jalisco, new generation cartels are seized counterfeit pills across U.S. territories. The opioid crisis has been significantly exacerbated by a sharp increase in counterfeit prescription pills. Counterfeit pills have significantly worsened the opioid epidemic due to traffickers’ efforts resulting in elevated availability levels of potent opioids leading to a spike in fatal overdoses. Criminal drug networks, including prominent cartels such as Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco, are heavily involved in the production of counterfeit pills known as “Blues,” which are designed to resemble legitimate medications like OxyContin.
Drug traffickers or anyone involved in the illegal drug market sometimes lace unknown substances into illicit drugs. If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on blues, seek immediate medical attention or call 911. The risk of overdose is higher when this drug is mixed with heroin, cocaine, or other benzodiazepines. Due to the high illegal demand for the drug, they’re sometimes counterfeited or laced with fentanyl. In the event of an opioid overdose, it is imperative to administer naloxone if it is available, call 911 for emergency assistance, and follow the A.N.C.H.O.R. protocol. Throwing support behind community initiatives like South Shore Recovery Center greatly contributes towards overcoming drug addiction along with its severe repercussions.
Are Blues Drugs Deadly?
However, unlike prescription medications, which are carefully dosed and regulated, blues drugs are manufactured in illegal labs with no oversight, making them highly dangerous. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), these counterfeit pills are often sold on the streets by drug traffickers and marketed as legitimate prescription drugs. The opioid crisis has also led to increased drug abuse, with many individuals unknowingly consuming counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Even a minuscule amount of this synthetic opioid can be lethal, making blues drugs extremely dangerous for unsuspecting users. The term “blues” refers to a type of counterfeit pill that is often laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- These figures illustrate the scale of the problem and the growing prevalence of blues drugs.
- Behavioral interventions alongside MAT are a linchpin of opioid addiction therapy.
- These dangers are greatly worsened when involved with fake pills.
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- Recognizing the signs of use and addiction to “blues” is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
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Public awareness, education, and access to treatment are all crucial in addressing the crisis. These medications are typically combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying causes of addiction. MAT can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, providing a pathway to recovery and a better quality of life. In many cases, users are unaware that they have ingested fentanyl until it’s too late. Instead, they are often produced in makeshift labs by drug traffickers who are more concerned with profits than safety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to “blues” or any other substance, it is imperative to seek professional help immediately. However, the sheer volume of counterfeit pills being produced means that enforcement alone is not enough to stop the crisis. The DEA has also increased its efforts to track and seize counterfeit pills. One of the most well-known initiatives is the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign, which seeks to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit pills. These pills typically resemble legitimate prescription oxycodone tablets, specifically the 30 mg oxycodone hydrochloride pills, commonly marked with “M30” on one side. It is called the blue’s drug because the pills are typically blue.
What Are the Blue Pills That Say M30?
Many of these illicit versions are laced with fentanyl. In addition to different brands, there are also counterfeit street versions. They can be used alone or paired with other treatment approaches.
Recognizing Signs of “Blues” Use
The use of such drugs should always be under the guidance and prescription of a healthcare professional. These methods of misuse alter the intended release and absorption mechanism of the drug, leading to a higher risk of overdose, dependence, and long-term health issues. One of the most common examples of this is oxycodone, often found in 30 mg pills which are blue. Blues are part of the same drug class as heroin and prescription opioids—they’re all opioids, meaning they act on the brain’s opioid receptors.
Counterfeit Pills and Fentanyl Overdoses
This increased availability of prescription opioids led to widespread misuse. The effects of the blues drug can include dizziness, nausea, respiratory depression, and confusion. The term comes from the appearance of the pills, which resemble oxycodone tablets. If you or someone you know suffers from a Blues drug addiction, a good addiction treatment center must be found. Addiction to Blues drugs can be treated, and the patients can recover. Detoxification Blues drugs from Blues drugs can be painful and complicated.
- The nickname “blues drug” comes from the color of the counterfeit pills.
- These pills are often sold online or through social media platforms, making them easy to obtain, especially for younger individuals who may not fully understand the risks involved.
- It is the initial step in overcoming addiction and paving the way for a healthier, substance-free life.
- Anyone who has received prescription painkillers can be exposed to the addictive qualities of opioids.
- Encourage them to reconnect with their treatment team or support group.
This uncertainty significantly elevates the likelihood of adverse reactions, including fatal overdoses. However, the black market is flooded with counterfeit M30s, which can be visually similar to the genuine product. Legitimate M30s are manufactured by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and are small, round, and typically blue.
Experiencing an overdose is intense and can be the catalyst for many to begin to change and challenge their use of drugs. If an individual is concerned about a family member or loved one using opioids, keeping naloxone on hand while exploring treatment options can be a life-saving precaution. Only M30 pills that are directly prescribed by a healthcare provider are legal.
The opioid crisis has evolved over time, and blues drugs have become a major factor in this evolution. The rise of blues drugs is closely tied to the larger opioid crisis that has been ongoing in the United States for the past two decades. Sold on the black market as a cheaper alternative, these counterfeit pills pose a significant risk due to the presence of fentanyl. These pills are designed to closely resemble prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate prescription medication.
What To Do If Someone Overdoses on Blue Drugs
If you or someone you love is caught in the cycle of blues use, don’t give up. Blues, like other opioids, bind to receptors in the brain that control pain, emotions, and breathing. Waiting to get treatment allows the abuse and addiction to worsen or become life-threatening. It is critical to watch for signs of opioid abuse and seek treatment right away. They may think they’re taking a Xanax or a prescription painkiller, unaware it’s been laced with fentanyl. People from all walks of life have been affected by blues—teens, college students, working adults, and even seniors.
The Emotional Side of Addiction
Experts note that social media and text messaging apps are key channels where dealers advertise these pills online, and teens trust friends who “send pictures” of pills. In reality, falsely treating blues like candy has been deadly. Teens and college-aged users have driven much of the recent blues epidemic.
However, blues drugs are not manufactured in controlled environments like pharmaceuticals are. These figures illustrate the scale of the problem and the growing prevalence of blues drugs. Now, with the rise of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, the crisis has entered a new and deadlier phase. As regulations on these drugs tightened and prescription opioids became harder to obtain, the crisis shifted to heroin. As authorities tightened regulations around prescription opioids, the demand for these drugs didn’t diminish—instead, it shifted to the black market. Prescription opioid misuse, particularly the misuse of drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone, created a fertile environment for counterfeit drugs to flourish.
In the timeframe spanning early 2020 to early 2021, there was a rise of 55.6% in deaths attributed to these substances – emphasizing an intensifying crisis nationwide with illicitly produced fentanyl as the predominant contributor. Not only do these fake opioids mirror the hue of real medication, but also their design and inscriptions have been duplicated with high accuracy to emulate genuine pharmaceuticals, thereby making detection even more difficult. People who are addicted to opioids have a very difficult time quitting on their own.