Fentanyl is a rising and high concern across Oregon and the country. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in the state, Serenity Lane has taken the time to speak out about how fentanyl can creep into every corner of substance use. Utilizing their years of experience, they recently published an article that focuses on cocaine laced with fentanyl and how people can avoid being hurt by this dangerous but silent combination.
To start off the piece, Serenity Lane first informs readers about how fentanyl and cocaine are combined in the first place. “Lacing is when one substance is added to another to influence the product's profit while either maintaining its effects or altering them. This altering can be as simple as boosting the effects already given by the base substance or adding new effects into the mix. Fentanyl is one of the most common substances to be added to other substances.”
“In 2022 over 65% of overdose deaths in Oregon were linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl,” the blog continues, highlighting the severity of the circumstances to readers further. “More often than not, these overdoses occur because someone unknowingly encountered fentanyl as opposed to seeking it out intentionally.”
Readers may have questions about how obvious fentanyl-laced cocaine is. Due to its dangerous nature, there must be steps to identify it. Serenity Lane wants to give readers answers and help their community prevent fentanyl overdoses, so they immediately dive into how someone can detect fentanyl within cocaine or any other substance.
“(Fentanyl is) overwhelmingly white in color, with a small chance of them being off-white… Cocaine is also a primarily white or off-white substance found in powder form or a rock-like form. Because of this, fentanyl isn’t able to be visibly spotted when it’s present.” The article informs readers. “There isn’t another, safe way to locate fentanyl in cocaine. Not only does it have no discernable smell or taste, but using these methods would involve you potentially consuming the substance which isn’t recommended.”
Even though fentanyl can not be detected with the naked eye, Serenity Lane provides a safe alternative to spot it. “Through the use of fentanyl test strips, you can test for fentanyl in any substance you have… While these strips can be helpful, it’s important to note that they’re not perfect. When cocaine is laced with fentanyl, the substance won’t be evenly distributed amongst the substance. This means you could test a portion of some cocaine that is fentanyl free, but test another portion of the same cocaine and find fentanyl within it.”
The blog continues by outlining not only the dangers of taking cocaine laced with fentanyl but also how readers can spot the signs of a fentanyl overdose. They provide readers with life-saving advice and resources so they can help someone who’s overdosing. Those who wish to learn more about fentanyl-laced cocaine can find the article linked above.
Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also provided the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.
People who want to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Bend, Oregon, can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
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For more information about Serenity Lane Bend Outpatient Treatment, contact the company here:
Serenity Lane Bend Outpatient Treatment
Stephanie Edwards
541-485-1577
info@serenitylane.org
920 SW Emkay Dr Suite #104
Bend OR 97702
