Are you wondering if your spouse is taking fentanyl? Would you be able to identify this opioid if you came across it? Without official labeling, you probably wouldn’t know.
In 2022, 7,551 Floridians died from a substance overdose, which was the highest number of overdose deaths in the United States. Luckily, there are some things you can look for that can indicate a substance might be fentanyl. Knowing this can lower the chances you or a loved one will encounter fentanyl and be at risk of an overdose.
At Tranquil Shores, we value the importance of ensuring your family remains safe. This includes knowing how to recognize these substances. Today, we will discuss fentanyl identification.
Is There an Easy Way to Identify Fentanyl
It can be challenging to identify fentanyl, especially if it has been mixed with another substance. This is a common practice done to increase a substance’s strength and profit since fentanyl is potent and cheap to produce. As of 2023, fentanyl test strips are now legal in Florida. These are the only ways to know if you have encountered it in another substance.
Outside of that, however, you might want to identify an unknown substance you found in a loved one’s possession. Let’s talk about some of the ways you can pinpoint if a substance is or isn’t fentanyl.
What Does Fentanyl Look Like?
There are several forms that fentanyl can take. Typically, it is either a liquid or a powder. The powdered form is white and looks like other substances. This powder may also be made to resemble prescription medication. A colorful version of fentanyl, known as rainbow fentanyl, is not uncommon, too. It’s designed to look like sidewalk chalk or colorful candies, where it gets its name.
The liquid version of fentanyl is often in eye drops or nasal sprays. Because fentanyl looks like other things, such as other medications or illicit substances, it is not possible to detect it with the naked eye.
Can You Smell or Taste Fentanyl?
The short answer is no.
It is not recommended to taste or smell suspected fentanyl as you don’t know what else is in the substance. Due to fentanyl’s potency, only a small amount is required to potentially overdose. If you have small children around, it is essential to keep the potential substance out of their reach and watch them closely to ensure they do not get into it.
Fentanyl’s lack of odor and flavor indicates the necessity of fentanyl test strips. These reduce the risk of an overdose due to laced substances.
Different Types of Fentanyl
There are two types of fentanyl: prescription and illegally made. When a doctor prescribes it, they do so for severe pain. Most of the time, that is after surgery or for advanced-stage cancer. You may encounter this type as an injection, patch, or tablet designed for temporary relief.
Illicitly, it is sold by drug dealers. They often cut it with other substances to produce a more potent and cheaper product. This is particularly dangerous because combining any substances can lead to unpredictable results that may vary each time. The most significant danger is the risk of a fentanyl overdose, which is a medical emergency that requires 911 to be called. If someone is experiencing an overdose, it is crucial to remain calm and answer as many questions as you can to the first responders. Some symptoms that might indicate one is occurring include:
- Unconsciousness
- Slow breathing
- Change in mental status
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Clammy skin
- Blue nails
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, you can administer naloxone under The Good Samaritan Law in Florida. This medication will temporarily reverse the effects caused by the overdose. Because it is temporary, first responders and medical attention are still necessary as they have the tools that can allow the person to recover fully. This law also protects you and your loved one from being charged with a crime associated with this event.
What Are the Brand Names and Street Names for Fentanyl?
If you can’t identify fentanyl by sight, smell, or taste context clues like names can be incredibly helpful. There are some names that people may use when referring to fentanyl, and what that name is can indicate its intention. They may refer to the brand name of a prescription medication a doctor prescribes. Others are the street names for the illicit version. Below is a chart that indicates common brand and street names you may hear about:
| Brand Names | Street Names |
|---|---|
| Actiq, a lozenge | China Girl |
| Fentora, a tablet | Dance Fever |
| Abstral, a tablet | Goodfellas |
| Subsys, an under-the-tongue spray | He-Man |
| Lazanda, a nasal spray | Tango & Cash |
| Duragesic, a patch | Jackpot |
If you have a loved one who is taking illicit fentanyl, you may have heard some of the above names. People will use street names or other slang words that disguise the reference to the substance in a conversation. It might be challenging to understand what they mean without knowing their connection. Sometimes, these words are also referenced in pop culture, such as music.
The use of street names could indicate a sign of fentanyl addiction, especially if you notice any potential side effects of the fentanyl. Discussing your concerns with your loved one in an honest and nonjudgmental approach can help encourage them to seek help if they do have a fentanyl use disorder. Offer them your support towards receiving treatment, but don’t enable or make excuses for them. Your support may include driving them to rehab and understanding that recovery takes time and practice. Multiple conversations may be required before they decide to seek recovery.
How Can I Avoid Fentanyl?
The best way to avoid fentanyl is not to take any illicit substances. For people with a fentanyl use disorder, that may seem like an impossible task. Perhaps they have tried in the past but were met with intense symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal. They may have had severe cravings that only encouraged them to continue taking the substance. If this sounds like an experience you have had, fentanyl rehab can help make it easier. During treatment, you will learn healthy skills and techniques that can help you avoid returning to fentanyl and maintain a successful recovery.
Fentanyl test strips are also a semi-effective way to avoid it. They are not as effective as refraining from taking substances, but they can indicate when something has fentanyl in it. If you are regularly partaking in other substances, picking up these test strips can indicate if or when you are interacting with this opioid.
Get Treatment For Fentanyl Addiction in Florida
Maybe you started taking fentanyl to ease the pressure of your academic studies in college. Then, that translated to continuing as you climbed the corporate ladder. You always said you would stop once the stress was over, but that day never came. Now, you have found it challenging to let it go. If you have a fentanyl use disorder, treatment can help, but with so many Floridian rehabs, which one is going to help you achieve your goals?
Finding a place that will work with you and your needs is important to set you up for success in your long-term recovery. It might seem daunting to start the journey towards healing, but there are many options available. From detox to inpatient and outpatient services, taking that first step can help you begin your new chapter in life.
Located right on the beach, Tranquil Shores provides a high-quality, detail-focused environment with direct access to the shoreline. Our 3:1 client-counselor ratio ensures you receive the individualized care you deserve. If you are ready to get started or have any questions, please call us at 727-391-7001 today for the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
FAQs About the Identification of Fentanyl
Where are common places people hide fentanyl?
People may hide fentanyl in their wallets, books, cars, under the sink, inside the toilet tank, or in dresser drawers.
What should I do if I find fentanyl?
Suppose you find fentanyl, or suspected fentanyl, in a public place. In that case, you should monitor young children to ensure they do not get into it and call 911 to report the situation. While you can’t overdose by breathing or touching the substance, it is still important to allow the police department to handle it.
