DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
A new synthetic opioid has been linked to at least 80 overdose deaths in the United States over the past nine months.
U-47700, also called “pink” or “pinky,” is a synthetic opioid that is eight times stronger than heroin, according to a report by NBC News. Despite its toxicity, the drug is legal in 46 states.
“It’s more than addictive. It’s dangerous. It’s deadly,” Utah state representative Paul Ray, a Republican, told Fox 13 Salt Lake City.
Pink belongs to a group of powerful new synthetic opioids. New synthetic opioids include ifentanyl, carfentanil and furanylfentanyl. These drugs have killed thousands of people in the United States, worsening America’s opioid epidemic.
In April, authorities found pills containing U-47700 in the home of the musician Prince shortly after his death.
The synthetic opioid comes in pill, powder and liquid form. It is believed to be manufactured overseas, but can be legally purchased online and shipped to your home. A bottle of pills can be ordered for less than $40 online.
Dr. Paula Cook, a psychiatrist at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute in Addictive Medicine, told Fox 13 Salt Lake City that the drug produces euphoria, pain relief and relaxation. However, it can also cause breathing problems, coma or death if taken in excess.
“It’s very potent,” said Cook.
Deaths in Utah
U-47700 was linked to the deaths of two 13-year-old boys in Park City, Utah, in September. The teens died within 48 hours of each other.
Park City students had been discussing the drug on social media days before. After the deaths, the Park City School District and police issued a community warning about pink.
Park City School District Superintendent Ember Conley cautioned area residents of the dangers of the synthetic opioid. She told parents to search their children’s bedrooms and said they should be concerned if they find eye-droppers or nasal inhalers without labels.
“Go through their stuff,” she told Fox 13 Salt Lake City. “It’s that serious … It’s that dangerous.”
In response to the crisis, the Park City School District made the SafeUT Mobile App available to students. The application provides crisis counseling and allows students and parents to inform school officials of various problems, such as bullying or school threats.
The Utah Department of Health confirmed that deaths involving pink have occurred in the state. However, the department did not release the death toll associated with the drug for privacy reasons.
The DEA Responds
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration told NBC news that the agency has confirmed 15 deaths linked to U-47700, though they say the exact figure is likely higher. Pink could be responsible for as many as 80 deaths in the past nine months, according to NMS Labs, a Pennsylvania-based forensic toxicology laboratory.
Fatalities associated with the drug have occurred in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin, according to the DEA. In September, the agency temporarily placed U-47700 on its list of Schedule I drugs, joining heroin, ecstasy and bath salts. The agency has three years to decide whether to permanently outlaw the substance or revert it to non-controlled status.
However, some states are not waiting for a permanent federal ban. Florida, Ohio, Wyoming and Georgia have already outlawed the drug, and other states are planning to do the same.
In the meantime, Cook recommends every household in Utah have naloxone, an overdose reversal antidote that has become more accessible in the United States in recent months. The medication can revive overdose victims within one to two minutes of injection.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Share
View Sources
Blankstein, A. (2016, October 15). Pink: Stronger Than Heroin, But Legal In Most States. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroin-epidemic/pink-stronger-heroin-legal-most-states-n666446
Demasters, T. & Scheidell, D. (2016, September 19). First ‘pink’ overdose reported in Davis County. Retrieved from http://fox13now.com/2016/09/19/first-pink-overdose-reported-in-davis-county/
Forliti, A. (2016, August 22). Correction: Prince Death story. Retrieved from http://bigstory.ap.org/article/6ea0a330a6fa442990b24ec0c5153b27/official-pills-found-princes-estate-contained-fentanyl
Lawrence, D. (2016, September 14). Doctor says drug known as ‘pink’ contributing to increase in overdoses nationwide. Retrieved from http://fox13now.com/2016/09/14/doctor-says-drug-known-as-pink-contributing-to-increase-in-overdoses-nationwide/
McDonald, M. & Green, M. (2016, September 14). Park City officials warn parents after two students die, third attempts suicide. Retrieved from http://fox13now.com/2016/09/14/park-city-school-district-and-police-warn-parents-after-two-students-die-third-attempts-suicide/
Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. We look forward to helping you!
Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. DrugRehab.com and ARS are not responsible for those calls.
