Serenity Lane offices have been impacted by the ice storm throughout the state. Click here for the most up-to-date information on the status of our services. (last updated 1/18/2024, 5:42 PM)
On average, five Oregon residents die from an opioid overdose every week. One of the reasons for this high number is fentanyl, an especially powerful opioid, is often added to other substances. This increases the potency of the substance. In some cases, fentanyl can be manufactured to look like different pills. Many of these fentanyl-related overdoses happen because a person is unaware they are taking fentanyl.
Cocaine is a substance that is often combined with fentanyl. The potency of fentanyl means mixing the two substances can create an intense euphoric effect at a low cost to those selling illicit substances. However, this proves to be a deadly combination because those who take fentanyl unknowingly often do not have a tolerance to the substance and end up with a life-threatening amount of fentanyl in their system. Knowing what to do and where to find treatment can help you save the life of someone who overdoses on cocaine laced with fentanyl.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the coca plant native to South America. It works by increasing the brain’s dopamine production. Cocaine gives a person an intense burst of energy and euphoric feelings. A cocaine overdose can produce irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack, agitation, high body temperature, decreased respiration, anxiety, and hallucinations.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. This means instead of occurring naturally, fentanyl is manufactured in a laboratory. Its medical use is as a potent pain reliever for recovery from surgery or chronic pain. It should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, another opioid used for pain management. Fentanyl causes euphoric feelings, decreased pain, sedation, and reduced respiration. Fentanyl overdose leads to a condition called hypoxia, where the brain is not getting enough oxygen. Hypoxia can cause brain damage, coma, and in some cases, death.
The motivation behind mixing fentanyl and cocaine is to create a stronger high and maximize profits for those selling illicit substances. Fentanyl and cocaine have opposite effects on the body, with cocaine being a stimulant and fentanyl being a depressant. Using both substances together is called speedballing. Individuals who take both substances unknowingly are more prone to overdose because cocaine users may have no tolerance to fentanyl. Common side effects of a fentanyl-cocaine overdose are:
Cocaine use is not a safe practice, but the introduction of fentanyl increases the danger significantly. The majority of cocaine overdoses now involve opioids such as fentanyl.
Individuals who use cocaine or other substances should utilize fentanyl test strips as a way to keep themselves safe from accidental overdose. Fentanyl test strips are a way for the average person to check for the presence of fentanyl in a substance. Fentanyl is odorless, tasteless, and often made to resemble other substances. Using a test strip is the only way a person can be sure fentanyl is not in the substance they are about to take.
To utilize the test strip, you first dissolve a small amount of the substance that you intend to use in water. After this, place the strip in water for 15 seconds. Place the strip on a flat surface and wait for the results. Results of the test should appear within 5 minutes.
The organization Fentcheck is committed to providing no cost fentanyl test strips. They recently started their first test strip distribution location in Oregon.
Using fentanyl and cocaine together significantly increases the chance of overdose. Because cocaine and fentanyl are opposites, using them together causes increased strain on a person’s body. Using the two substances together can create a euphoric feeling that is intense and long lasting, but the health dangers are significant. Doing so puts a person at risk for:
If someone you know is overdosing on cocaine, and you aren't sure if fentanyl is involved, there are some steps you can take to help save their life. During any overdose, you should call 911, even if you have also been using substances. This will ensure that they get the help they need. You may be asked questions about the person’s weight, health, what substances they have taken, or their history of substance use. You should do your best to answer these questions accurately as it could affect the care received.
While you wait for help to arrive, you should administer naloxone. Naloxone is a medication that counteracts the effects of an opioid. It is ok to administer naloxone even if you aren’t sure opioids, such as fentanyl, were present in the substance taken. Naloxone will have no effect on a person who has not taken an opioid, but it will end the effects of the opioid if they have taken it. Because opioids are often unknowingly mixed with other substances, it is good to have naloxone on hand. Naloxone can be found at pharmacies in Oregon and is sometimes covered by insurance.
While waiting for help, try and keep the person awake. Ask them questions and keep them engaged so they remain conscious. If they do pass out, turn them on their side so they won’t choke if they vomit. Sometimes people have seizures when they overdose. If this happens, do not try to restrain them. Instead, make sure their head is supported and allow them to move freely. Do not put anything in their mouth. Some people believe you should give a person having a seizure something to bite on, but they will likely injure their jaw if you do so. It is a myth that someone having a seizure can bite off or swallow their tongue. If someone is having a seizure do not attempt to perform CPR.
Anyone who is using cocaine can potentially come into contact with fentanyl laced cocaine. Fentanyl is odorless and tasteless. Without test strips or laboratory testing a person can not know if a substance contains fentanyl. Therefore, anyone who is using cocaine or other illicit substances is in danger of exposure to fentanyl. There were over 80,000 overdose deaths involving opioids in 2021, but recovery from fentanyl and other substance use is possible with the right tools!
Detox Fentanyl treatment is the first step for recovering from fentanyl use, and other substance use disorders. In detox, a person will stay in a detox facility their body becomes used to the absence of fentanyl. Often people feel withdrawal symptoms during this time. These are symptoms that appear as the body adjusts to the lack of fentanyl. Withdrawal symptoms for fentanyl include:
While rarely fatal, it is difficult to withdraw from fentanyl due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. In a facility, the staff will be able to administer medication to decrease a person’s withdrawal symptoms, keep the person comfortable, and be available 24/7 in case of a complication. Detox from fentanyl usually lasts around 7 days.
After detox, Serenity Lane offers residential and outpatient programs to help a person continue their recovery journey. During treatment for fentanyl use, a person will benefit from evidence-based approaches that will give them the skills to overcome fentanyl use long term. These treatment options are individualized based on a person’s needs. Often, treatment for substance use disorder involves talk therapy, support groups, and education on how to remain substance-free after formal treatment.
If you or a loved one need help overcoming substance use, contact Serenity Lane at 800-543-9905. Our professional staff are standing by to answer your questions and connect you with services that will help you achieve your goals.
Is it possible to determine if cocaine has been laced with fentanyl?
Fentanyl test strips can tell a person if any substance has been laced with fentanyl. These test strips reveal the presence of fentanyl with a chemical reaction. The use of fentanyl test strips can save lives, enabling a person to get help and overcome their substance use issue when they are prepared to do so.
Copyright © 2026 SERENITY LANE
SERENITY LANE is a registered trademark of Serenity Lane, an Oregon non-profit corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
