Dangerous New Pink Drug

New Drug Called Pink

Add the ‘pink drug’ to the growing list of synthetic opioids that continue to wreak havoc in our nation. The drug referred to as Pink, Pinky, or U-4 is actually U-47700, first created by Upjohn in the 1970s. In the end, U-47700 was never approved by the FDA for human use, but that didn’t stop the clandestine labs. Indeed, the chemical recipe for making the pink drug was embraced by labs in China and trafficked into the U.S. Like other opioids, the pink drug has found its way onto the streets where it has done much harm. Similar to fentanyl, this potent drug is inserted into fake Xanax or Oxycontin pills, which has caused deaths. People buying drugs have no knowledge that what they have purchased contains this dangerous substance.

About the Synthetic Pink Drug

“Pink,” or U-47700 is a DEA Schedule I Controlled Substance, with no medical value at all, and high abuse potential. Pink is a new designer opioid drug being distributed on the streets. It has a light pink appearance and comes in powder or tablet form. The pink drug is 8 times more potent than morphine and often leads to overdose due to its potency. It is often disguised with other drugs, such as heroin or pills. A counterfeit form of Norco has been found to contain both fentanyl and pink. It also happens to be what led to the death of Prince.

What Are The Effects of the Pink Drug

Because Pink is a synthetic opioid, its effects are similar to any other synthetic opioid drug. These effects include deep relaxation and euphoria. However, there are adverse effects of the pink drug. These include:

• Numbness
• Itching
• Heavy sedation.
• Trouble breathing.
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding.
• Liver damage.
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Overdose

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Pink is just one more example of the opioid epidemic our country is enmeshed in. Opioids work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain to block pain messages from the nervous system. The bloodstream becomes flooded with a surge of the feel-good chemical, dopamine. In a very short time, the brain pathways are altered, as the reward system prompts continued use of the drug. As tolerance ramps up, so does opioid use, and this leads to addiction. Addiction to designer opioids like pink has the same signs and symptoms as other opioids:

• Become obsessed with acquiring the drug, taking the next dose, and having enough on hand.
• Doctor shopping.
• Stealing pills from friends and family.
• Forging prescriptions.
• Stealing money and items to pay for the habit.
• Dishonest behavior, lying.
• Secretive behavior.
• Isolating from friends.
• Loss of interest in usual activities.
• Illegal acts.
• A decline in work performance.
• Hanging out with a different crowd.
• Malaise, apathy.
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Decreased appetite.
• Shallow breathing.
• Collapsed veins, track marks.
• Stomach cramping.
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings.
• Avoids eye contact.
• Pinpoint pupils.
• Slurred speech.
• Nodding out.
• Confusion
• Hostile mood.
• Disorientation
• Chronic constipation.
• Withdrawal symptoms when opioid wears off.

When these symptoms are present it is a sign that you or a loved one has an opioid problem and needs to get help. The longer you wait to get formal treatment, the higher the risk of an overdose becomes.

Symptoms of Pink Drug Overdose

Because the pink drug is so much more potent than heroin or morphine, there is a high risk of overdose. An overdose of the pink drug is a health emergency. Signs of an overdose include:

• Shallow breathing.
• Gurgling sounds.
• Vomiting
• Blue-tinged lips.
• Clammy skin.
• Respiratory distress.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Coma
• Death

The lifesaving drug, Narcan, can reverse the effects of Pink, but it may take multiple doses to succeed. The timely use of Narcan is of utmost importance to save a person’s life.

Detox for Opioids like the Pink Drug

The process of breaking free from an opioid like the pink drug always begins with medical detox. Detox and withdrawal can take a week or two to complete, depending on the length and scope of the addiction. With proper medical support, withdrawal symptoms can be managed well. Withdrawal symptoms commence within twelve hours of the last dose of the opioid. Symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Aching muscles.
• Bone pain.
• Cravings
• Cold flashes.
• Lethargy
• Runny eyes and nose.
• Sleeplessness
• Excessive perspiring.
• Excessive yawning.
• Stomach cramps.
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils.
• Goosebumps
• Kicking motions.
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Opioid Addiction Treatment

A residential treatment program is the best level of care for opioid addiction treatment. The duration of the treatment is based on how severe the drug problem is, as well as practical concerns. The longer someone stays in rehab, the better their chances of success. Treatment for the pink drug includes:

• Psychotherapy. Use of evidence-based therapies to help individuals make fundamental changes in thought and behavior patterns. Therapy is the core treatment element of addiction recovery.
• Group therapy. Clinician-led peer-based groups converse about topics related to the recovery process. Group members enjoy mutual support as a result of these small group sessions.
• Education. Classes help equip clients with new recovery tools that improve relating skills and conflict resolution techniques.
• Holistic therapies. Learning how to regulate stress and emotions is key in recovery. Holistic methods accessed while in rehab can assist with any stress related to the treatment process. After rehab, these methods can become routine coping tools. They might include yoga, mindfulness, massage, acupuncture, journaling, and art therapy.
• 12-step programming. The 12-step program or an alternative will be introduced during rehab. Recovery meetings at a local N.A. or A.A. chapter become a central focus of aftercare after rehab.

If you have been using the new pink drug, you are exposing yourself to great risk. Isn’t it time to reach out for help for an opioid use disorder?

LifeSync Malibu Luxury Drug Rehab Treats Pink Drug Addiction

LifeSync Malibu provides the ultimate rehab experience. Using the perfect blend of evidence-based therapies and holistic methods, our dedicated team can help you break opioid addiction. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, please reach out today at (866) 491-4426.