Key Takeaways:
- Fentanyl-laced vapes are a disturbing and growing trend, sold at illicit sources.
- Unregulated manufacturers add fentanyl to their vapes to make them more addictive and attractive.
- Since fentanyl is so potent, just a small amount can cause an overdose or death.
- Many young teens use vapes, believing they are safe, but inadvertently use vapes laced with fentanyl.
- Naloxone is crucial to reverse the fentanyl overdose effects and prevent death.
Fentanyl in vapes:
A disturbing trend is emerging on the black market: vapes laced with fentanyl. Although regular vapes sold at a legitimate store usually comply with manufacturing standards and regulations, its counterparts sold on the black market can contain a lethal drug that has harmed and killed many.
This article will explore fentanyl-laced vapes, how to spot the difference between regular vapes and illegal, dangerous vapes, what you can do to prevent being a victim of fentanyl poisoning, and what to do if you find yourself addicted to fentanyl.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic drug popular amongst hard drug users. Fentanyl is classed as an opioid and has been legally approved as a pain medication. However, it is still widely abused and used recreationally at parties, weddings, clubs, and youth events.
Most of the fentanyl that is used recreationally is produced illegally. Fentanyl is notorious for causing an unprecedented number of overdoses. Many people who take fentanyl at a social event have no idea how potent it is, causing them to take a dose that is lethal and, in many cases, the cause of their death.
Why is there fentanyl in vapes?
Manufacturers of illegal vapes use fentanyl in vapes to make their product more appealing. Although vaping is considered a relaxing activity, it generally isn’t as addictive as cigarettes are - which means that vape sellers don’t sell vapes at the same rate as cigarettes. This is because although cigarettes and vapes both contain nicotine, an addictive substance, cigarettes offer a more robust and addictive experience.
Additionally, because fentanyl is so potent, just a tiny amount is needed in each vape to produce a euphoric, intoxicating experience. This allows manufacturers to make a larger profit off every vape they sell (as opposed to using a drug like heroin, where much more would be needed to produce a pleasurable effect.)
In some cases, fentanyl found in vapes can be traced back to the manufacturing process. Vapes produced in an unsanitary environment that does not fully comply with regulations can end up with fentanyl traces in the final product. Either way, there is a surprising amount of fentanyl in vapes now in today’s vape market, so it’s important to be vigilant.
Why is fentanyl in vapes dangerous?
Fentanyl is an exceptionally powerful drug. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent that morphine, which means that just a few milligrams (equal to a few grains of sand) of the substance can cause damage. Specifically, the combination of vapes and fentanyl can be dangerous because vapes are inhaled, sending the fentanyl straight through the nasal mucous membranes and into the bloodstream, causing faster damage to the body.
Vapes are also a very dangerous place for fentanyl because teens like to experiment with vapes. They look fun, are easy to hide, and have almost no smell, enticing young people to just try it. Fentanyl-laced vapes results in many young people- a great portion who have never been exposed to drugs- using fentanyl for the first time.
It is important to note that people who don’t regularly use drugs will have little to no tolerance to fentanyl. As a result, just a tiny, tiny amount of fentanyl can overwhelm their system and cause a fatal overdose. Additionally, since the production of these vapes is largely unregulated, it is impossible to know how much fentanyl exists in every vape, resulting in dangerous and unpredictable outcomes.
Vape usage in the US:
E-cigarettes and vapes are used widely amongst U.S. teens today. A 2024 study showed that 1.63 million American students were currently using e-cigarettes - a staggering number considering that regular cigarettes are illegal for children under the age of 18, and both cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine.
Many young people believe that smoking is cool, but since they’re too young to smoke, they can vape as a safe, enjoyable activity instead. The reality is that even if vapes are less harmful than regular cigarettes, they are still quite unsafe - and children and non-smokers are urged strongly to avoid vaping.
How to identify legitimate vapes products:
A legitimate vape is one that is produced by a reliable manufacturer and conforms to government standards and practices. It’s vital to purchase only legitimate vape products, since they contain only what is printed on the label and will not be laced with fentanyl.
Here are some other signs that your vape is legal and safe:
- It is sold in a brick and mortar, non-shady-looking store.
- The store owner requires valid photo ID as proof that the buyer is 18 or older.
- The vape tank is no more than 2ml.
- The vape has the capacity for no more than 600 puffs.
- 30% of the vape packaging contains a warning label that the product contains nicotine and is addictive.
- The vape has a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg.
How to recognize fentanyl-laced vapes:
It’s almost impossible to know the exact contents of a vape without testing the liquid professionally. The liquid in every vape usually looks and smells the same, regardless of the ingredients. However, if you regularly purchase vapes illicitly on the black market, through drug dealers, or other online sources, it’s crucial to know the signs of vapes laced with fentanyl.
There are several signs that you may have inhaled fentanyl while using your vape. After your first puff (or several puffs), stop and consider whether or not you’re feeling the following symptoms, indicating fentanyl in your vape:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Slow pulse
- Difficulty/slowed breathing
- Sedation
- Disorientation
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
Fentanyl overdose:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), opioid overdose can be identified by three main signs:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty breathing
Since fentanyl is an incredibly potent opioid, an amount as miniscule as two grains of sand can cause a fatal overdose.
Fentanyl overdose can easily lead to death without timely treatment. The most effective and instant form of treatment is Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioids. Since Naloxone has no adverse effects on people who haven’t actually taken fentanyl, it’s best to administer the drug even if you’re not 100% sure the person is experiencing a fentanyl overdose.
Whether or not you have Naloxone on hand, call 911 as soon as possible if you suspect someone may have overdosed on fentanyl. Stay with the victim until medical assistance arrives, and tell them everything you know once they arrive on the scene.
Fentanyl addiction assistance:
If you’re using either fentanyl or vapes, you may be concerned about the prevalence of fentanyl deaths in the US. But you can choose to quit fentanyl and avoid injuries, overdose, or death associated with fentanyl use. At Avenues Recovery, we can help you to stop using fentanyl and stay sober for the long term.
At our various rehab facilities nationwide, we employ professional, compassionate staff who have years of experience helping people battling addiction find recovery. We have helped thousands of people struggling with fentanyl addiction craft a personalized plan with one-on-one and group therapies, 12-step meetings, and other healing modalities. We invite you to join us as we guide you, together with people going through the same journey as you, until you find freedom, serenity, and long-lasting sobriety.