Hallucinogens Linked to Serious Mental Illness, Study Suggests

A new Canadian study links the use of hallucinogenic drugs to an increased risk of schizophrenia. People who ended up in the ER after using hallucinogens were found to be 21 times more likely than the general population to develop schizophrenia.

Even after controlling for preexisting mental disorders and substance use, the risk was still 3.5 times higher for those who ended up in the ER following exposure to hallucinogens such as magic mushrooms, Ecstasy, or LSD.

The Canadian study looked at 9.2 million people living in the Ontario area between the ages of 14 and 65. The researchers used health data from ER visits that involved hallucinogens to determine how many of those patients were later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Less than 1% of the general population was diagnosed with schizophrenia during the study period. But 4% of patients who had been medically treated for an adverse reaction to hallucinogens would receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia within three years.

These patients were also significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia than patients whose ER visit was due to cannabis or alcohol.

Hallucinogens are a subcategory of psychedelic drugs and it’s this relationship that makes the study findings all the more significant. Psychedelics have garnered increasing attention in recent years as a potential treatment for otherwise treatment resistant mental illness. Their potential use in the treatment of severe and relapsing depression is of particular interest.

However the current study signals the need for caution in incorporating psychedelics in mental health care. Researchers emphasize that the study results were concerning but not definitive. Data are still limited regarding the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapy using psychedelics for mental illness. More research is needed.

Likewise, patients with a history of hallucinogenic use should be monitored closely for mental health concerns. This is especially true for those who experienced severe adverse reactions to these substances.

Most Outpatient Mental Health Clinics Don’t Offer Opioid Addiction Meds

Only about one-third of outpatient mental health centers provide medication-assisted treatment for patients with opioid addiction, research shows. A nationwide survey published by JAMA revealed that although opioid use disorder rates are high among those experiencing mental health issues, the needed medications are not being utilized.

Treating those affected with opioid use issues with medicines like methadone, suboxone, and buprenorphine is considered the gold standard of care. These medications effectively reduce drug cravings and make the withdrawal process more comfortable. This is thought to contribute to higher recovery success rates.

Since hundreds of thousands of Americans die each year from opioid overdose, the lack of access to medication assisted treatment in mental health clinics puts lives at risk, experts contend. Proponents of the treatments suggest that these ecosystems would be a perfect point of entry for those needing opioid addiction treatment.

Some clinics not offering medication management reported that they referred patients to other facilities for this type of care. Many of these centers were within the same treatment system. This could make referrals easier for the facility but not necessarily for people needing treatment.

The researcher found that clinics providing integrated mental health and addiction recovery programs were much more likely to provide these FDA approved medications for opioid drug addiction.

These findings might indicate that outpatient clinics could improve recovery outcomes by offering a more comprehensive approach to care. Patients dealing with substance use issues and mental health problems could benefit from medication assisted treatment.

Experts speculate that more housing accommodations or easier referral processes could lead to these services being offered more. Whatever the breakdown may be, with the opioid crisis still looming, healthcare facilities may need to remove as many barriers to treatment as possible.

Can Ozempic Treat Addiction? Get Updated & Learn How to Get Started

What are Ozempic and other GLP-1 Drugs?

Ozempic is the brand name of a synthetic prescription medication containing semaglutide. This drug helps regulate glucose, or blood sugar, levels in the body. Wegovy and Rybelsus are other name brands that contain semaglutide as their main ingredient.

Semaglutide influences the brain’s reward center, appetite regulation, and glucose metabolism. It mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. This hormone stimulates insulin release from the pancreas and lowers glucose levels in the bloodstream. GLP-1 drugs also reduce appetite and diminish food cravings. These drugs were formulated and approved by the FDA as medications to treat diabetes.

However, patients have found these medications helpful in reducing drug cravings as well as food cravings. Research is currently underway to study the efficacy and safety of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs for use in addiction treatment.

Overview of Recent Research

People who have and work with substance use disorders are eager to know if GLP-1 meds like Ozempic can consistently and reliably curb drug cravings and consumption. Research on GLP-1 drugs for addiction treatment is in the early stages, so there isn’t a definitive answer. Findings so far have been promising, but many studies have been small in scale. There’s a need for larger scale research to confirm the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 medications to treat addictions.

Can Ozempic Help with Addiction?

One recent large study was completed in February 2025. Researchers analyzed a large database of national electronic health records from more than 500,000 patients with opioid use disorders and 800,000 patients with alcohol use disorders. They observed that patients with alcohol use disorders who used Ozempic had a 50% reduction in binge drinking, and patients with opioid use disorders who used Ozempic had a 40% reduction in overdoses.

Their results suggested that synthetic GLP-1 drugs produce a similar reaction as natural GPL-1 hormones within cells. They concluded that Ozempic and other synthetic GLP-1 meds can alter reward responses in the brain associated with chemical dependencies. This could lead to lower rates of opioid overdose or alcohol intoxication compared to patients who don’t receive them for treatment.

A smaller study with 20 participants was conducted in 2024 by the Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They compared outcomes of patients who received GLP-1 medications with those receiving placebos. Most of the study participants had opioid use disorders.

In this study, results showed a 40% reduction in opioid cravings among patients who received GLP-1 medications. These patients also reported improvements in mood and sleep, as well as reductions in symptoms of stress, pain, fatigue, and nausea.

A 2024 study on tobacco use disorder in diabetic patients taking semaglutide reviewed the electronic health data from approximately 223,000 patients, of whom 6,000 were prescribed semaglutide. The study found that the users of semaglutide had significantly fewer medical encounters for tobacco use disorder. These same users needed less smoking cessation medication and fewer counseling sessions.

A 2025 case study on a patient with both obesity and cocaine addiction who was treated with semaglutide found that the patient experienced significant weight loss and reduction in cocaine cravings over 12 weeks. The researchers concluded that semaglutide is a promising option for treatment for substance misuse among patients with co-occurring obesity.

Facts about Ozempic and Addiction

Is Ozempic FDA-Approved for Addiction Treatment?

Ozempic hasn’t yet been approved by the FDA to treat addiction. However, ongoing research suggests it may be helpful in treating substance use disorders. These indicators increase the possibility for approval in the future.

Although Ozempic is not currently approved as an addiction treatment drug, a physician can prescribe it off-label for addressing chemical dependencies and other uses.

How Can I Get Started Using Ozempic for Addiction?

Currently, GLP-1medications are not commonly used in drug addiction treatment. However, because of the mounting evidence of the medication’s benefits in addiction recovery, some medical providers may be willing to prescribe Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug off-label to address substance dependencies. Your doctor may have to submit documentation to your health insurance company regarding their reasoning for the prescription.

Another avenue you can explore for receiving Ozempic for addiction treatment is to join a clinical trial that tests the medication for this use. Ozempic clinical trials for addiction are now being conducted to test the efficacy of GLP-1 drugs for nicotine dependence as well as alcohol use, cocaine use, and opioid use disorders. You can search online for clinical trials that are currently enrolling new patients.

Some online pharmaceutical companies compound drugs, meaning they use the same active ingredients as name brand pharmaceuticals and alter their formulation slightly to make very similar, but different medications. There are several online companies that compound Ozempic-like formulations. Diagnosis and attaining a prescription can sometimes be done through telehealth interactions.

But buying compounded drugs online is risky. The FDA warns users of these products that dosing errors are more likely to occur due to inadequate education and lack of direct supervision when patients are trained via an online platform on how to self-administer their medication. Misuse may lead to self harm up to the point where you require hospitalization.

Insurance Coverage for GLP-1 Drugs

In general, insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs doesn’t extend to substance use disorders. Insurance providers don’t cover prescriptions when meds are prescribed to treat conditions other than the one that the FDA approved. Since Ozempic isn’t currently approved for treating substance dependencies, most insurances won’t cover this treatment. However, if your doctor applies for an exception by presenting documentation as to why he/she recommends off-label use, the insurance company might approve coverage and grant pre-authorization.

Doctors also prescribe Ozempic and other GLP-1 meds off label for patients who are willing to pay for them out-of-pocket. GLP-1 drugs can cost as much as $900-$1,000 per month if purchased through major brand manufacturers. Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs and savings cards to reduce these costs. Compounded semaglutide medications may be purchased from online compounding companies for approximately $200-$400 per month.

The use of GLP-1 drugs increased 40-fold from 2017 to 2021. Approximately 2-3% of the population in the U.S. is thought to currently be using GLP-1 drugs.

How Long Does It Take to See Results When Using Ozempic for Addiction?

Ozempic typically reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic patients within four weeks. It can start reducing appetite and cravings within a few days. Gathering specific data on off-label use of Ozempic for addiction and reducing drug cravings is still in its infancy. But since Ozempic works for drug cravings by using the same brain pathways as for food cravings, it’s likely that drug cravings would also decline within the same timeframe as food cravings.

Potential Side Effects of Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs

While there are likely benefits to using Ozempic to combat substance use disorders, you should be aware that taking them can lead to side effects. Among them are physical symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Side effects relating to the head specifically include nausea, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

Side effects of Ozempic for non-diabetic patients can include all those mentioned above. In addition, when Ozempic is used for addiction treatment, gastrointestinal side effects may be more severe among patients with pre-existing substance use-related digestive issues. Semaglutide injections may also slightly increase the risk for developing tumors of the thyroid gland or thyroid cancer.

Can Ozempic be Used Alongside Other Addiction Treatments?

Using Ozempic with other addiction treatments such as psychological therapies and counseling is recommended to provide a comprehensive approach to care. Consult your doctor if you’re using herbal medications or supplements as part of your addiction treatment.

Alternatives to Ozempic for Addiction Treatment

If Ozempic isn’t accessible to you for treating substance use disorders, you still have alternatives. Here are some of them.

Detox is commonly used as the first step in treatment for addictions to alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. Detox can take place as inpatient or outpatient treatment. It typically includes medical monitoring to ensure safety along with medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Detox generally lasts for 7-10 days and is often supplemented with counseling.

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) utilizes FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Treatment may be needed if addiction is severe and 24-hour supervision is required. Inpatient treatment takes place in a hospital or a residential rehab facility. Counseling and other treatment options are offered in structured schedules. Peer support like 12 Step group meetings are often included. Alternative or recreational therapies may be available.

Outpatient Treatment takes place during the day with no overnight stays. Outpatient treatment programs include partial hospitalization, or day treatment programs, that offer approximately 20 hours of treatment per week for 8-12 weeks; intensive outpatient programs that typically include nine hours of treatment per week for several months; and standard outpatient treatment programs that can meet as few as once per week. Group and individual counseling sessions are provided, and 12-Step peer recovery is often offered.

Conclusion

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have quickly gained popularity as weight loss drugs and for the treatment of diabetes. There is emerging evidence showing they are likely useful for addiction treatment. While the FDA hasn’t yet approved them as alternative medications for addiction recovery, these medications can be prescribed off-label for this purpose.

The results are promising so far. As more studies are conducted to test the efficacy and safety of these drugs in treating addiction, it seems more likely that GLP-1 medications may become part of standard substance use disorder treatment protocols.

During this interim, it’s important to seek assistance and support from trusted medical providers who can help you create recovery plans that best suit your needs. Be optimistic and realistic, and you can achieve recovery and look forward to a positive, healthy future.

Deaths Related to Alcohol Surge in the U.S.

The opioid epidemic in the US has taken center stage in the news in recent years. But a recent report suggests an alarming surge in deaths linked to alcohol in the last two decades.

The report studied US government data collected between 1999 to 2020. The data show that death rates related to alcohol increased for both men and women in every age group. Men continue to die in higher numbers than women. In the two decade span of the study alcohol related deaths in men more than doubled.

For women the statistics are even more startling. Mortality rates for women increased at a significantly higher pace than for men in the same period. For women between the ages of 25 and 34, the death rate increased almost fourfold.

Researchers speculate that changing social norms and increasing accessibility have altered the landscape. The alcohol industry is also increasingly marketing to young adult women.

These rising death rates might be connected to the long term health impacts of alcohol abuse. Chronic heavy drinking significantly increases early death risk due to stroke and heart attack.

As rates of obesity and diabetes continue to increase so too do the harms of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol misuse is strongly associated with liver damage. Obesity and diabetes are also linked to liver damage. The three risk factors combined dramatically increase the risk of potentially life threatening liver disease and may account for the surge in alcohol related deaths in recent decades.

Drinking heavily could mean the difference between a long life and a short one. The disproportionate increase in alcohol related deaths among women may signal a need for more research and resources directed to women’s recovery.

Officeholders in Recovery Transforming Public Policy

The Run for Recovery Program is a bipartisan space that has been created to tailor to the recovery community’s specific needs and experiences. It is part of the Recovery Advocacy Project. The program provides education about the challenges and the opportunities that come along with running for office in the aftermath of addiction.

In August 2024, the first 15 participants graduated from the program. The participants were from across the country and from different political backgrounds. For an entire year, they met once a month via the computer. During the year span, participants were able to learn about finance laws and drafting position statements. The participants also learned how to prepare to openly speak about their substance abuse.

Courtney Gary-Allen, the director of the Maine Advocacy Recovery Project, saw the need for this program. She began using drugs at a young age and had multiple overdoses. She has successfully run for office twice, in 2020 and 2023, and won in a landslide.

Thomas Hidgon was one of the participants of the program. He has a political history and attended law school. Because of his past with substance abuse, he feared not being able to run for office. His classmates were able to help him remove the fear of what people may say and changed his perspective.

Ryan Hampton, the founder of Mobilize Recovery, also completed the program. He is running for a seat in Nevada’s state assembly. He has said that he’s been able to apply the tools he learned in recovery and in the Run for Recovery Program fighting back against political ads that have attacked his campaign with his past substance use history.

In the process, Hampton and other candidates and officeholders in recovery hope to dismantle stereotypes, end stigmatization, and transform public policy for the better for those touched by addiction.

The program was created to help create solutions across the country, as well as at state and local levels, when it comes to substance use. It helps those in recovery gain the confidence and additional tools to become policy makers instead of just advocating for substance use issues.

Pink Cocaine Linked to Pop Star’s Death

Pink cocaine is a trendy designer drug that comes with devastating health impacts. It’s known on the streets as “Russian roulette” due to its potential lethality. You might have also seen it linked to the death of Liam Payne, the former singer for the band One Direction. Preliminary autopsy results show evidence of the substance in the singer’s body at the time of his death.

The party drug has been gaining in popularity in recent years and it’s been increasingly associated with the celebrity lifestyle. Despite its name it may contain little if any cocaine. Instead it consists of an unpredictable and often dangerous combination of stimulants and hallucinogens as well as other unknown substances.

Most pink cocaine concoctions include MDMA and ketamine. The stimulant and hallucinogenic effects of these drugs can produce dangerous spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. These may also be accompanied by severe and prolonged psychological disturbances ranging from aggression to paranoia to delusions.

The vibrant coloration and increasing presence in party atmospheres around the world may lull users into a false sense of security. Some may assume the designer drug to be “safer” than traditional cocaine. But you shouldn’t be fooled. This drug is not a safe alternative to other substances.

What makes the drug so dangerous is that consumers don’t know the exact combination of substances. The unpredictable composition of the drug significantly increases the risk of a life-threatening overdose.

Pink cocaine is increasingly prevalent on the global party scene. It may be the new “in” drug at the moment but this shouldn’t make anyone feel safe. Payne’s death serves as another reminder that unregulated drug markets are dangerous. This only underscores the need for increased security and drug testing at parties and festivals.

Study Names 5 Key Questions For Youth Addiction Treatment Planning

Parents might believe that kids are safe from drugs and alcohol use until their late teens. But in 2021 the American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Association and Adolescent Psychiatry declared a national emergency regarding mental health for children.

According to a 2023 study over eight million people between 12 and 17 years old required mental health treatment. What does that have to do with substance use? Often, the two go hand in hand.

That is frequently the case with teens who want to try substances to offset anxiety and depression symptoms. How can you ensure your child gets the best recovery treatment? There are some crucial questions you should ask to find the best care.

Will The Provider Interact With Your Child’s School?

Some parents may not think of this, but your children spend most of their day in school. That’s where they may show signs of substance use, and the treatment center should form a relationship with the counselor and teachers.

What Levels Of Care Are Available?

You may not believe your child needs inpatient treatment and want to consider outpatient services. A facility that offers various care levels can transition to higher or lower levels as needed.

What If Your Child Refuses Treatment?

Many teenagers, especially, believe adults can’t understand their problems. They may think they do not need care. Find a provider who works to establish trust and a relationship with your child.

Ask About Privacy

You want a clear understanding of how their confidentiality works. Many parents believe all treatment is private, but that’s not always true. Know your rights from the beginning.

Is Medication An Option?

Some facilities use medication-assisted treatment to help lessen withdrawal symptoms. They may also use medicines for depression or anxiety. Be upfront about your desire as a parent.

Recent studies show that kids are not always okay. With addiction and mental health issues affecting people of all ages it appears specific questions are crucial for parents with concerns about substance use. Help is available and providers are there to support your children through recovery.

Americans Unprepared to Respond to a Drug Overdose, Study Shows

By now, most people have heard about the opioid crisis that still looms across America and many other countries. We know it has caused an alarming number of deaths due to overdose, but a recent survey illustrates that many of us have no clue how to help someone experiencing a drug overdose.

According to the report, around 77% of the people surveyed admitted they wouldn’t know what to do or how to respond if they saw someone overdose. That amounts to more than 3 out of every four people.

Drug overdose deaths have increased over the last two decades and are steadily climbing. The latest reports show about 293 people dying in the United States from drug overdoses every day.

Why is it that so many people aren’t sure how to handle or at least help someone experiencing an overdose? For some, it seems the necessary resources are either unavailable or unknown.

At this time, there are two FDA-approved medications available that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone, which is known as Narcan and Opvee, are simple, easy-to-use nasal sprays that can quickly block the opioid effects on the body and the brain. Still, many people report being uncomfortable or nervous administering these life-saving drugs.

Knowledge is power, and some people may not understand how easy it can be to save a life. Naloxone is available without a prescription and easily obtained over the counter for free with many programs. Some communities offer classes regarding using Narcan to make it more convenient and comfortable to administer. There is no disputing that these drugs can help overdose victims, so providing access to them with the skills to use them appropriately may be the turning point to more people feeling confident and more lives saved.

The Hidden Risks of Prescription Opioids

Are there hidden risks to using prescription opioids? According to a recent study, almost one in every ten people who are treated for chronic pain using prescription opioids become addicted. Additionally, approximately 1 in 3 will have signs and symptoms of opioid addiction, the startling report goes on to mention.

The odd and perhaps alarming finding seems to be the exact opposite of what many Oxycontin pharmaceutical companies report. Their claims show that less than 1% of these opioid prescriptions leave behind any addiction issues for patients. Such claims have researchers concerned.

Experts suggest that policymakers and clinicians may need a more accurate accounting of the opioid problems patients are having to account for the extent of the issues. Although there have been numerous reports regarding the opioid epidemic, it’s imperative to know how big the problem is to manage it.

For the current study, researchers used data from 148 different studies ranging from 1985 to 2021. From this accounting, more than 9% of chronic pain sufferers who received prescription opioids were later diagnosed with opioid use issues. Also, almost 30% of those using opioids for chronic pain begin showing symptoms illustrating dependence on the medication or full addiction. These symptoms included problems with cravings and increased tolerance levels.

From the data, it also appeared that about 22% of these opioid patients also showed other disturbing behavior, like attempting to get refills before they were due, continuous dose increases, and supposed lost prescriptions.

What is the key takeaway from this recent study? It would appear that using opioids can be a risky proposition if not monitored closely for management. Knowing the correct population of the problem is also needed and may mean more hands-on attention from those in charge of regulating policies and enforcing them, along with critical attention from clinicians prescribing them.

Can an Early Bedtime Reduce the Risk of Addiction?

You may have heard that most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, but what about children? Do kids need an early bedtime to make healthy decisions? According to some new research, sleep improvement in school-age children might positively affect their decisions in areas like using drugs and alcohol later in life.

Many parents struggle to get their kids to turn in on time with the hopes that a good night’s sleep will prepare them for the busy day of school to follow. Looking at the research, that may also help them avoid risky behaviors in adolescence and adulthood.

Data from over 1,500 children in various cities across the United States were studied as parents kept records of the times their kids went to bed. The children were 3, 5, and 9 years old, and the length of sleep was also recorded to verify how long the 5 and 9-year-olds typically slept. Drug and alcohol use was tracked in the children’s teenage years and the results were quite fascinating to the researchers.

The data showed a 45% increase in the likelihood that a child would try alcohol by the age of 15 if allowed a later bedtime routine. The stats from the children aged 9 were also interesting, as there didn’t appear to be a relationship between alcohol use at age 15 for the three and 5-year-olds concerning their bedtimes. Further, the report didn’t indicate the duration of sleep made a difference for ages 3 or 5 when it came to alcohol use.

Interestingly, the data showed an opposite correlation when it came to marijuana use rates by age 15. It seemed having a later bedtime at age five could be linked to a 26% increase in the chances of using the drug, and just one hour less of sleep per night at age 9 showed a rise of 19% in using marijuana at age 15.

Although there’s more research needed, and the study doesn’t prove causation, it clearly showed some strong associations between sleep and substance use. Bad sleep habits affect everyone in various ways, and for teens, those may be negative health consequences and poor decision-making, especially when it comes to using drugs and alcohol.

Telehealth A Lifeline for Those Battling Opioid Dependence

New research shows telehealth for opioid dependence may be a better option than traditional clinical care for those struggling with addiction. That could be a game-changer for people who have needed help in the past but sought it in emergency departments.

According to the findings, many people consider the first line of treatment for opioid dependence to be an ER visit. The problem is with so many emergency rooms already at capacity, it may be difficult for someone in crisis to wait to see a doctor. The ability of telemedicine to offer assistance may provide hope on the horizon. The study revealed that people referred from telehealth may be more likely to follow up with care. Additionally, the study indicated that those in need are more likely to have continued care at the 30-day mark.

Recovering from long-term addiction necessitates consistent care with outpatient visits to get the FDA-approved medications that help with withdrawal symptoms. These pharmaceuticals, like methadone and buprenorphine, are proven effective at lessening drug cravings.

The study followed 400 people referred to treatment for almost two years, between 2020 and 2022. Looking at the results, 65% of the respondents who received referrals from telehealth kept their first outpatient clinic appointment. That number is compared to 32% who were sent from an initial emergency room visit. To further illustrate the difference, the ones referred from an ER visit were only 22% likely to stick with treatment, as opposed to 53% of the telemedicine patients.

Educating emergency staff on how to approach medication for opioid dependency can get challenging. Some may not be as interested in addiction needs or have a different approach to care. Also, telemedicine could be a better initial strategy because people can get help faster and in private. There’s less stigma attached, and it clears the path for an easier way to navigate opioid addiction treatment.

Could this be a more effective treatment for opioid dependency in the future? More research may be ongoing, but the initial findings look positive for those seeking help.

Study Shows Fake OxyContin Pills Are a Growing Concern This Year

We know there is an opioid crisis going strong across the country, but what many may not realize is that there is another issue looming. Recent reports indicate that young Americans have found themselves in intensive care units (ICU) after using fake OxyContin pills that have been laced with fentanyl.

How serious is this development? According to one hospital in the United States, incidents of fake OxyContin overdose rose from three in 2017 to 209 overdose cases in 2022. That data is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of these patients, the majority required hospital treatment, and many of them spent time in the ICU. Sadly, two patients died from the overdose. While this seems to mirror what’s happening with opioids and other drugs across the nation, it also brings a new face to the substance abuse problem.

Now, there is a growing issue with fake M-30 OxyContin pills being spiked with dangerous or deadly levels of fentanyl. According to the report, these pills were first discovered on the illegal drug scene back in 2014. After ten years, the problem doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, in 2022, out of every ten lots of these counterfeit pills seized by law enforcement agencies, six were found to include lethal fentanyl levels.

It appears that some users think they’re purchasing oxycodone pills and have no idea that what they’re buying are counterfeit drugs that contain fentanyl. Others may be searching for a similar high that is achieved from heroin injections, without the needle.

The fake OxyContin crisis seems to affect teens more than other groups. According to the data, overdose deaths for teens have increased across 31 states from 2019 through 2021. Now, the focus is on what can be done to reduce these tragic events. For now, they are concentrating on more teen outreach regarding misusing prescription pills and providing more harm reduction interventions to prevent overdoses from fake OxyContin pills.