First, What is Rainbow Fentanyl?
Rainbow fentanyl is a name for colorful, illegally manufactured tablets containing the powerful synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is 50 times more powerful than heroin, which makes accidental overdose a serious concern. Deadly rainbow fentanyl tablets come in a range of colors and can easily be mistaken for candy by young children, adding to their dangerous allure.
What to know about rainbow fentanyl:
- It is always manufactured illegally, and potency may vary wildly.
- Rainbow fentanyl is especially dangerous to children, who can mistake it for candy.
- All fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin—that makes it a huge OD risk.
- Rainbow fentanyl is usually found in pill form, but it may also be powered.
Rainbow Fentanyl FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about rainbow fentanyl, followed by concise answers so you can increase your knowledge of this dangerous new threat quickly. Public health officials and agencies like the National Institutes of Health are diligently working to raise public awareness of the dangers of rainbow fentanyl in New Jersey and throughout the rest of the U.S.
How is Rainbow Fentanyl Different from Regular Fentanyl?
Aside from the bright colors, rainbow fentanyl is no different than any other illegally manufactured fentanyl. It still contains the same deadly, ultra-powerful opioid that’s sent America’s overdose deaths skyrocketing.
Why Are Rainbow Fentanyl Tablets Different Colors?
Making the fent tablets in a spectrum of cheerful colors is merely a cynical marketing ploy. The shadowy cartel figures who are poisoning America with opioids and other toxic street drugs like pink cocaine are well aware this increases the likelihood that children could ingest the tablets, mistaking them for candy. They simply don’t care.
Which Color of Rainbow Fentanyl is Most Powerful?
All colors of rainbow fentanyl from the same batch should be about the same strength. Unlike prescription opioids and benzodiazepines, the color of illegally manufactured rainbow fentanyl has nothing to do with potency. The criminals who make illegal fentanyl are notorious for poor quality control in fact. It’s possible that several different fent pills in the same batch will have different potencies and it has nothing to do with the color.
What is Being Done About Rainbow Fentanyl?
The DEA first began raising awareness about rainbow fentanyl back in 2022, but it has rapidly grown in popularity since then. Federal health and law enforcement officials have been ringing the alarm bells about this powerful new opioid threat in several different ways. One of the first major government awareness efforts focusing specifically on fentanyl addiction and overdose was the DEA “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. Other efforts include campaigns by state and local agencies on social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Drug rehabs in NJ, like North Jersey Recovery Center, also play an important part in raising awareness of this threat by publishing articles like this and other forms of outreach.
How Can I Protect My Family from Rainbow Fentanyl
Awareness is the key here. The fact that you’re here and reading this article is a GREAT sign. It means you’re paying attention. Apply that same awareness to the people you love. Pay attention to who they spend time with. Make sure your family members and loved ones are aware of the danger, don’t assume they know. Be cognizant of unusual changes in mood or behavior, money troubles or other signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse (see below).
Symptoms and Signs Someone May Be Using Rainbow Fentanyl
The signs and symptoms that someone may be using rainbow fentanyl are the same as those we see with almost any other opioid misuse. The color of the tablets or powder has no bearing on this aspect of fentanyl addiction—so below, we’re just listing signs of fentanyl misuse.
Bear in mind that some of the behavioral signs listed don’t necessarily mean a person is using fentanyl, especially in isolation. However, if a person you care about shows even two or more of these behaviors—it could be cause for concern and it merits further investigation.
The physical symptoms of fentanyl abuse are a bit harder to explain away. But, again, seeing only one or two of these in the absence of all the other signs and symptoms does NOT necessarily mean someone is using fentanyl. Follow your instincts and use your best judgment—but be careful to avoid denial and don’t be afraid to say what needs to be said.
9 Possible Signs of Fentanyl Abuse
- Social isolation or detachment
- Increased secrecy or defensiveness
- Unexplained mood changes (irritability, anger, mood swings)
- Changes in routine (oversleeping, missing work, skipping meals)
- Financial difficulties (borrowing money, stealing)
- Neglecting responsibilities at work or home
- Doctor shopping (to obtain more opioids)
- Decline in personal hygiene or appearance
- Missing money or valuable items
9 Potential Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse
- Tiny, pinpoint-like pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Drowsiness or nodding off
- Vomiting or nausea
- Reduced heart rate
- Lethargic body movements
- Scabs on the face or arms
- Unexplained burns on lips or fingers
- Excessive sleepiness/sleeping
Helping Someone Who is Abusing Rainbow Fentanyl
Fentanyl overdose is one of the leading causes of death in certain age groups in the United States. This is one drug you do not want to underestimate. If you believe someone you love may be using fentanyl—-it isn’t something you can afford to ignore. It may be a matter of life and death.
If you are unsure of how to talk to a son, daughter, spouse, or any other loved one about fentanyl abuse, NJRC is here to help. Even if you’re not sure if your loved one is ready or willing to go to substance use disorder treatment, let’s begin the conversation.
NJRC delivers the most highly acclaimed substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey. No matter where you are, it’s never too late to change direction.
Let’s talk: (877) 790-5873
