New Heroin Substitute “PINK” Taking Lives

Another man-made drug is hitting the scene across the country, and many have never even heard of it. We’ve talked about Spice, Flakka and Bath Salts, but compound U-47700 (a.k.a. “PINK”)  is all the new craze in the world of synthetic chemicals. The opioid analgesic is being laced with better known drugs, such as Vicodan, OxyContin and heroin. Pink is comparable to fentanyl and carfentanil in potency, known to be 8 times stronger than heroin.

In September, two 13-year-old boys, who were friends, died within 48 hours of each other in Park City, Utah. Reports are saying the deaths may be a direct result of an overdose of the drug, Pink (U-47700). The heroin substitute, which was ordered over the internet by the teenagers, was delivered to their homes, legally. Their deaths came just days after the DEA announced their intention to classify the drug as a Schedule I chemical. Investigators believe the death toll could have been substantially higher throughout this community, since 100 other students were talking about the drug over Social Media platforms.

What Do We Know About U-47700?

Honestly, not enough! A compound that has proven to be deadly, is not only difficult to detect, but also difficult to control. It seems as though the Drug Enforcement Administration is continuously playing “catch up” with the makers of synthetic drugs. By the time they have gathered enough information about a substance, an alternative is produced.

Often times, heroin and/or prescription opiate users aren’t even aware that they are using U-47700. Typically, the drug is being shipped into our country from China or other countries, and is being laced with heroin or prescription pills. Some reports suggest this is the scenario that took place during Prince’s death. While he had an obvious addiction to opiates, he obtained prescription pills illegally. Little did he know, the medication that he purchased was laced with a number of synthetic opioids, one of which being U-47700.

It is typically difficult for a medical examiner to detect this chemical during an autopsy, unless they do an extensive testing. Many times this will not take place, unless specific paraphernalia is found at the scene. Due to this, many overdose deaths are linked to other well-known opioids, such as heroin, which makes reporting on “pink” inaccurate. In a recent report, DEA spokesman, Russ Bare said, “The prevalence of these drugs is substantially under-reported”.

Will Medication-Assisted Treatment Be Effective?

With addiction numbers rising, many treatment providers have turned to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as the “saving grace” for heroin and opioid addiction. Unfortunately at this time, there is not enough information collected on this new synthetic heroin substitute, so to say medications such as Suboxone and Methadone would be beneficial for someone addicted to “pink” would be unfounded. Maybe it will curb the addict’s craving, but will the end-result be any different from so many others who have attempted this course of treatment before?

Take for instance, a young man, we’ll call him Logan. Logan has been prescribed Suboxone for his addiction and has been clean from heroin for a year now. During this time, he has done little to change his behaviors and thinking. Logan does not attend meetings or have a sponsor. He doesn’t even attend counseling, which is the “Treatment” portion of Medication-Assisted Treatment. He goes to the bar every Friday and Saturday night, which he believes to be okay. One night Logan has too much to drink, and decides to try a few lines of “pink”. Why not, right? “Pink” is legal in all but 4 states and you can purchase it on the internet. He dies the next day, from an opioid-related overdose.

Although this case is completely hypothetical, it is possible. This is an individual who was given medication for his drug addiction, but never really addressed any of the behavioral issues or thinking patterns attached to addiction. When this happens, the addict will eventually substitute one chemical for another. Addiction is a progressive brain disease, not just a physical craving for one specific chemical.

While there is a strong physical component attached to the disease of addiction, there are also mental, emotional and spiritual aspects that need to be addressed. MAT does not address these issues, nor does it give an addict the necessary tools to manage their life sober. Without certain therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a 12-step philosophy of recovery, it is common for addicts to have a difficult time coping with life stressors, circumstances, and emotions, which many times will revert them back to negative thoughts and actions.

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With very little research done so far on U-47700, it is difficult to determine what the exact effects and negative consequences will be. Here’s what we do know though. It’s more powerful than heroin. There have been reported instances where Naloxone, the overdose reversal drug, was ineffective, and some have noted, even a small dose can throw an individual into cardiac arrest. Furthermore, even if medications, such as Suboxone and Methadone do curb the physical craving for this drug, it will not address the underlying issues. And finally, except for Florida, Wyoming, Ohio and Georgia, this chemical is legal for purchase.

Heroin and opioid addiction are very real threats in our country today. We have watched addiction tear apart families and destroy communities. If you or a loved one is suffering from a heroin or opiate addiction, Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today. We have been effectively treating chemical dependency for over 4 decades now, and we can give you the necessary tools to live a life free of the mental obsession and physical craving. Our Admissions Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call NOW for help!

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?

CALL CLEARBROOK TREATMENT CENTERS NOW AT (570) 536-9621.