Alcohol is the most popular drug on the planet, making it the universal “drug of choice” around the globe. Due to this fact, many people minimize the dangers of alcohol use. However, the reality is that alcohol use can be devastating. Even in small doses, it can cause physical, mental, and emotional harm over time. In larger doses, alcohol use can lead to addiction and extreme bodily, mental, emotional, and spiritual harm. It also often leads to a premature and uncomfortable death. So, when thinking about alcohol, should it be minimized? Absolutely not.
More About Alcohol: Better Understanding Alcohol Use
Millions of people around the world consume alcohol every day. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “224.3 million people ages 12 and older (79.1% in this age group) reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime. This includes 111.1 million males ages 12 and older (80.1% in this age group).” Further, “113.2 million females ages 12 and older (78.1% in this age group).”
The issue is not that these individuals drank one or two times (though, as mentioned, this can ultimately be harmful). No, the issue is that a percentage of these people will end up addicted to alcohol and end up with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
It is also important to understand that even a single engagement with alcohol can lead to devastating results. For example, many younger people drink to excess the first time they try it. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and bad decision-making, like driving under the influence. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes – that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. These deaths were all preventable.”
More About Alcohol: Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD is the most common addiction around the world, affecting millions of people. According to NIAAA and NSDUH, “28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% in this age group) had AUD in the past year. This includes 16.8 million males ages 12 and older (12.1% in this age group).” Further, “12.0 million females ages 12 and older (8.3% in this age group).”
It is also critical to remember that AUD is a disease. Many people are under the misconception that AUD is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue; AUD has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a choice.
AUD is also a family disease. But what does that mean exactly? It means that alcohol affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. It is for this reason that many people refer to AUD as a tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path (especially the family). However, while the family is the most affected, they also have the greatest opportunity to help their loved one. However, they have to be able to spot the signs and the symptoms first.
More About Alcohol: The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Now, the signs and symptoms of AUD are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of AUD. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
Not being able to stop once starting drinking
Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
Exhibiting excessive mood swings
Isolating away from family and close friends
Experiencing trouble at work or school
Causing harm to oneself or others
Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people can minimize AUD or falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The good news is that many effective means, methods, and modalities can help one recover physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from AUD.
The Reality About Alcohol as One’s ‘Drug of Choice’
The fact of the matter is that alcohol is a “gateway drug.” This means that many people use alcohol before they use other substances like methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Medicine Reports, “The concept of ‘gateway hypothesis‘ has been studied since the 1970s as the theory suggests that an adolescent’s early experimentation with alcohol or tobacco or cannabis escalates to more addictive illicit drugs later in adulthood. The most commonly used illicit substances include heroin/opioids, cocaine, and or amphetamines and their designer drug analogs, considered illegal by the criminal justice system in the United States and other jurisdictions.” This is also the reason why many people go back to alcohol time and time again.
Another reason why alcohol remains many people’s “drug of choice” is that it is the most accessible drug available. Anyone can simply go into a liquor store and buy it. There are also fewer consequences for possessing and using alcohol. These are just a few reasons why millions of people struggle with AUD. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities when it comes to recovering from AUD.
Recovering From Alcohol Use Disorder
The recovery realm is now a multi-billion dollar industry. While this is positive in that there are more places for people to recover than ever before, there are also many recovery centers that are more focused on their financial bottom line than they are on helping their clients. These are often the same treatment centers that only offer “one-note” recovery plans that don’t take the individual into account.
Here at Northstar Recovery Center, we understand that overarching recovery plans rarely work. The key is to treat the individual and to do so comprehensively. One of the best ways to do this is to utilize day treatment.
Utilizing Day Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Day treatment is a highly effective form of recovery. This is especially for those individuals who are able to keep one foot in their everyday lives. However, it is important to understand that day treatment is not a lesser form of recovery.
Many people think that day treatment may be “easier” and thus less effective than other forms of treatment, like residential addiction care. This is simply not the case. Day treatment often requires the individual to participate in their recovery eight hours a day, five days a week. Also, this often includes regular drug and alcohol testing and attendance at 12-Step recovery meetings.
Day treatment also utilizes all of the avenues of recovery available. This includes experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and group therapy.
Recovering With Psychotherapies
When thinking about alcohol and recovery, group therapy is often a highly effective choice for recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “The natural propensity of human beings to congregate makes group therapy a powerful therapeutic tool for treating substance abuse, one that is as helpful as individual therapy, and sometimes more successful. One reason for this efficacy is that groups intrinsically have many rewarding benefits – such as reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others – and these qualities draw clients into a culture of recovery.”
There are also many other effective psychotherapies when it comes to treating AUD. CBT and DBT can be particularly effective because they can get to the underlying causes of addiction. These psychotherapies help the individual to see the negative way in which they have been viewing themselves and the world around them. When they see this, they can then begin to change the addictive behaviors that are associated with their underlying issues.
According to the peer-reviewed thesis “Cognitive Behavior Therapy,” by Doctors Chand, Kuckel, and Huecker, “Cognitive behavior therapy is a structured, didactic, and goal-oriented form of therapy. The approach is hands-on and practical, wherein the therapist and patient work in a collaborative manner with the goal of modifying patterns of thinking and behavior to bring about a beneficial change in the patient’s mood and way of living his/her life. It is used to help a wide range of problems, and appropriate treatment protocols are applied depending on the diagnosis and problems the patient is facing.” CBT and DBT also work well with other types of therapy, like art therapy.
Recovering With Experiential Therapies
Experiential therapies are much their namesake states. They are more about experiences than they are about discussion (though this can be a big part of it). There are many types of effective experiential therapies, and they generally fall into two categories. One is more creative, like art therapy, and the other is more nature-based, like nature immersion therapy.
When talking about alcohol, nature immersion therapy can be highly effective. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “As a result of these stressful situations, nature therapy, a health-promotion method that uses medically proven effects, such as relaxation by exposure to natural stimuli from forests, urban green spaces, plants, and natural wooden materials, is receiving increasing attention. It is empirically known that exposure to stimuli from natural sources induces a state of hyperawareness and hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system that renders a person in a state of relaxation. This state becomes progressively recognized as the normal state that a person should be in and feel comfortable.”
Art therapy has also been shown to be highly effective when thinking about alcohol (especially when it comes to alcohol and other mental health disorders). According to the peer-reviewed journal Cureus, “Art therapy is used most commonly to treat mental illnesses and can aid in controlling manifestations correlated with psychosocially challenging behaviours, slowing cognitive decline, and enhancing the quality of life. [It] can help people express themselves more freely, improve their mental health, and improve interpersonal relationships. The basis of art therapy is established on the idea that people can recover and feel better via artistic expression.” Art therapy also works well alongside holistic healing methods.
Recovering With Holistic Healing Methods
There are many ways to recover. The key is to find the right combination of modalities that work for the individual. This usually consists of a combination of “evidence-based” therapies and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
According to the master yogi and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar, “As animals, we walk the earth, and as bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.” This is where yoga and meditation come in. These practices have been happening for thousands of years. Originally, they were solely used for religious or spiritual purposes, but they have since moved into the realm of recovery.
When thinking about alcohol, mindfulness meditation can be a highly effective tool of recovery. According to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU), “Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency. Physiological benefits include reduced blood pressure, heart rate, lactate, cortisol, and epinephrine; decreased metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, and carbon dioxide elimination; and increased melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), skin resistance, and relative blood flow to the brain.” It is also important to work with others for AUD recovery.
More About Alcohol: Working With Others for Recovery
Working with other people in recovery is a critical component of long-term success. It is so important that the primary text of 12-Step recovery (often referred to as the Big Book) even has a chapter dedicated to it: “Working With Others.” The chapter states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. You can help when no one else can.”
Yes, working with others can actually prevent a relapse. When thinking about alcohol, many people don’t realize just how common relapses can be. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
Working with others can also ensure that an individual attends 12-Step recovery meetings. These types of meetings can be critical for long-term recovery because they offer the individual a new and effective “design for living” a clean and sober life.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Northstar Recovery Center
Here at Northstar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is out there. It’s time to go out and get it! We can help.
Many people who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) also struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many of these individuals have realized that the first step to using again is taking a drink. It is a slippery slope. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about AUD, please call Northstar Recovery Center at (888) 311-0911.
Johann Hari’s famous quote, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection,” has resonated deeply within the recovery community and beyond. It challenges conventional narratives that focus solely on substance use as a matter of personal failure or chemical dependency. Instead, Hari’s insight points to the broader social and emotional dynamics that contribute to both addiction and healing. Understanding the role of connection in recovery can provide a powerful framework for those seeking to rebuild their lives after substance use disorder (SUD).
Understanding the Link Between Addiction and Isolation
Addiction is often rooted in profound disconnection—disconnection from oneself, from loved ones, and from a supportive community. Many individuals turn to substances as a way to numb pain, cope with trauma, or fill an emotional void. Over time, substance use can create a cycle of isolation, where shame and guilt further push individuals away from meaningful relationships.
Scientific research supports this perspective. Studies on addiction frequently highlight the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), loneliness, and social dislocation as risk factors. When individuals lack healthy attachments and emotional support, they are more likely to seek solace in substances. The more entrenched the addiction becomes, the more it erodes personal relationships, leading to further isolation.
The Power of Connection in Recovery
Recovery is not just about quitting substances—it is about rebuilding a fulfilling, connected life. Connection serves as a protective factor against relapse and provides the emotional resilience necessary to navigate challenges. This can take many forms:
Reconnecting with Oneself: Addiction leads to a loss of identity, self-worth, and emotional awareness. Recovery involves rediscovering personal values, interests, and aspirations. Practices such as mindfulness, therapy, and journaling can help individuals reconnect with their inner selves and cultivate self-compassion.
Rebuilding Relationships: One of the most challenging but rewarding aspects of recovery is repairing damaged relationships. While some relationships may not be salvageable, others can be mended through honesty, accountability, and consistent effort. Open communication, family therapy, and support groups can help facilitate this healing process.
Finding Community: Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and other peer-led communities offer a crucial sense of belonging. Engaging in these groups allows individuals to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and learn from others who have walked a similar path. Beyond formal recovery programs, finding a sense of community through hobbies, volunteer work, or faith-based groups can also provide meaningful social connections.
Why Connection is More Than Just Social Interaction
It is important to distinguish between superficial social interactions and deep, meaningful connections. True connection involves trust, vulnerability, and emotional support. Many individuals in recovery must learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships, as addiction distorts interpersonal dynamics.
Key aspects of meaningful connection include:
Authenticity: Being able to express oneself honestly without fear of judgment.
Mutual Support: Relationships should be a two-way street, offering both giving and receiving of care.
Consistency: True connection is built over time through regular, meaningful interactions.
Overcoming Barriers to Connection
While the importance of connection in recovery is clear, many individuals struggle with building or maintaining relationships. Shame and guilt create barriers, as many people in recovery feel unworthy of love or support due to past mistakes. Addressing these emotions through therapy or self-reflection is crucial in breaking down these walls. Fear of rejection can also prevent individuals from reaching out, as they may worry that others will not accept or understand their journey. However, taking small steps toward social engagement can help rebuild confidence. Additionally, trust issues arise, as addiction involves broken trust—both in personal relationships and in one’s ability to rely on others. Rebuilding trust requires patience, accountability, and choosing relationships that are truly supportive.
Connection as a Lifelong Commitment
Healing through connection is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and maintaining strong relationships requires continuous effort. Staying engaged in supportive communities, nurturing relationships, and prioritizing emotional well-being are essential components of sustaining sobriety.
Johann Hari’s statement is not just a philosophy—it is a call to action. It encourages individuals in recovery to move beyond mere abstinence and toward a life rich in purpose, relationships, and genuine connection. By embracing this mindset, those recovering from addiction can find lasting healing, not in isolation, but in the warmth and support of human connection.
At Northstar Recovery Center we pride ourselves on creating a safe, welcoming environment for those in the vulnerable stages of early recovery. We empower individuals to build lasting connections and grow their toolkit for maintaining long-term contentment in sobriety. And, we’re here 24/7/365.
Why is NDAFW important? Misinformation about drugs and alcohol is everywhere, especially on social media. NDAFW empowers young people with real facts from experts, helping them make informed decisions about their health while dropping the stigma around addiction, mental health, and seeking help.
Check out the infographic below to learn some surprising facts and statistics about alcohol and drug use in the United States.
Fentanyl was first introduced to the United States in the 1960s as a powerful pain reliever for surgical patients and those with severe chronic pain. Originally developed for medical purposes, it has since become one of the most dangerous drugs driving the opioid crisis. Over the past decade, fentanyl has increasingly been used recreationally, often unknowingly, by users who purchase drugs laced with it. Its presence in illicit drug markets has led to a staggering rise in overdose deaths, making headlines as one of the deadliest substances in America today.
What is Fentanyl and How Does It Get Here?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. While pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is still used in medical settings, most of the fentanyl responsible for the current crisis is illicitly manufactured. Much of it is produced in clandestine labs overseas, particularly in China and Mexico, before being smuggled into the U.S. through established drug trafficking routes. It is often mixed into heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills, making it nearly impossible for users to determine if their drugs contain a lethal dose.
Why is Fentanyl So Addictive and Difficult to Quit?
Fentanyl’s extreme potency means that even small amounts can produce intense euphoria, making it highly addictive. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain at a much faster rate than other opioids, leading to rapid physical dependence. Once addicted, individuals experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme cravings, making it incredibly difficult to quit without medical intervention. The cycle of addiction is further fueled by the high risk of overdose, as users may unknowingly consume a lethal dose.
How Fentanyl Kills
Fentanyl kills primarily by causing respiratory depression. As a powerful opioid, it binds to receptors in the brain that regulate pain and breathing. When taken in high doses or when mixed unknowingly with other substances, fentanyl can slow or completely stop a person’s breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation, unconsciousness, and ultimately death. This happens extremely quickly, sometimes within minutes. Because of its potency, even a tiny amount can trigger a fatal overdose, making it far more dangerous than other opioids. Just two milligrams (equal to 5 grains of salt) of fentanyl can lead to death.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have surged dramatically since about 2014. In the decade since, nearly half a million (464,351) American lives have been lost because of fentanyl. To put that into perspective, the U.S. has experienced more deaths from fentanyl than occurred during World War II, or—with the exception of the Civil War—all other wars before WWII combined.
What’s Being Done to Curtail the Fentanyl Problem in the U.S.?
Current governmental efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis include stricter border control measures, increased law enforcement crackdowns on trafficking networks, and harsher penalties for dealers distributing fentanyl-laced drugs. Additionally, harm reduction strategies such as expanded access to naloxone (Narcan), which can reverse opioid overdoses, and supervised consumption sites are being implemented in some areas to help prevent fatalities. Public awareness campaigns also aim to educate individuals about the dangers of fentanyl and the risks associated with illicit drug use.
At Northstar, clients have access to naloxone while in the program and are also given the opportunity to take into the community. **Please note, an increasing amount of fentanyl analogs are being created that are stronger and bind more tightly to the receptors. This makes naloxone ineffective and rely more heavily on rescue breathing for life-saving efforts.**
How to Get Help for Yourself or a Loved One
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek help immediately—your life or theirs may depend on it.
There are numerous treatment options available, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with drugs like buprenorphine and methadone, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation programs provide additional resources for recovery.
Northstar Recovery Center is available 24/7 to help facilitate the early stages of your recovery journey. We can assist with detox placement, coordinate sober living, and offer best-in-class day treatment to set individuals up with the tools for long-term success.
March 6th marks Black Balloon Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives from a drug overdose. At Northstar Recovery Center, we stand in solidarity with families and communities affected by addiction, honoring lives lost and reinforcing our commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment for those struggling with substance and alcohol use disorders.
All of us, and many of our clients, have been personally affected by the rise in overdose deaths in recent years. Today we will set aside time to honor those who left us too soon, and share in gratitude for our lives, our sobriety, and our ability to help the sick and suffering.
The Significance of Black Balloon Day
Black Balloon Day began as a grassroots movement, started by Diane and Lauren Hurley, who lost their loved one to overdose. Over time, it has grown into a nationwide day of remembrance, symbolized by the display of black balloons outside homes and businesses. It serves as a powerful visual reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and the urgent need for awareness, support, and solutions.
Each black balloon represents a life taken too soon—someone’s child, sibling, parent, or friend. The grief that follows addiction-related loss is profound, but through remembrance, we acknowledge the importance of their lives and the need to fight stigma surrounding substance use disorders. On this day, we encourage individuals to share stories, light candles, or participate in community events that foster connection and healing.
How You Can Participate
Display a black balloon outside your home or workplace in memory of those lost.
Share stories and experiences on social media to spread awareness.
Attend or organize a local event honoring Black Balloon Day.
To those struggling with addiction or grieving a loved one, you are not alone. There is hope, there is help, and there is healing. We are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to break the stigma, raise awareness, and create a future where fewer families have to mourn the loss of a loved one due to addiction.
For more information on our treatment programs and how we can help, give us a call at 888-339-5756 today.
The rise of counterfeit medications has become a significant public health crisis, endangering lives across the globe. Illicitly manufactured fake pills often contain dangerous substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other toxic compounds. Many unsuspecting individuals believe they are purchasing legitimate prescription medications, only to find themselves at serious risk of overdose or other harmful effects. Understanding the dangers associated with fake pills and how to identify them is crucial in the fight against this growing threat.
What Are Fake Pills?
Fake pills are counterfeit drugs that are designed to resemble legitimate prescription medications such as Oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and other commonly abused pharmaceuticals. These illicit pills are frequently sold online, through social media, and even on the streets, often marketed as real medications. However, they are usually produced in unregulated, clandestine laboratories without quality control, making them incredibly dangerous.
Substances Found in Fake Pills
One of the most alarming aspects of fake pills is that they often contain potent and potentially lethal substances, including:
Fentanyl
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is one of the most common and dangerous substances found in counterfeit pills. A tiny amount can cause respiratory failure and death, especially for individuals with no opioid tolerance. DEA Laboratory Testing reveals that 6 out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
Methamphetamine
Some fake pills, especially those mimicking stimulant medications like Adderall, contain methamphetamine. Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous stimulant that can cause severe physical and psychological harm, including heart problems, paranoia, and violent behavior.
Other Synthetic Opioids and Drugs
In addition to fentanyl and methamphetamine, counterfeit pills may contain other hazardous substances such as:
Carfentanil – A fentanyl analog that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl itself.
Heroin – Some illicit pills are mixed with heroin, increasing the risk of overdose.
Xylazine – A veterinary sedative that can cause severe health complications, including tissue damage and fatal overdoses when mixed with opioids.
Benzodiazepines (like Etizolam or Flualprazolam) – These drugs are sometimes added to counterfeit Xanax and can lead to unpredictable effects and increased overdose risk.
The Dangers of Fake Pills
The risks associated with counterfeit pills extend far beyond addiction and substance misuse. One of the most significant dangers is the increased risk of overdose. Fake pills often contain unknown or extremely potent substances like fentanyl, making even a single dose potentially fatal. Many individuals who take counterfeit pills are unaware that they are consuming opioids, which can lead to unintentional overdoses. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug poisoning in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Another major concern is the lack of quality control. Unlike pharmaceutical-grade medications, counterfeit pills are not subject to regulatory oversight, meaning their composition is highly unpredictable. Each pill may contain varying amounts of active substances, making their effects inconsistent and increasing the risk of serious harm.
In addition to these dangers, counterfeit pills pose significant psychological and physical health risks. Those laced with methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, or other substances can trigger severe mental health issues, such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and depression. Physically, they can cause cardiovascular problems, seizures, organ damage, and respiratory distress. The unpredictable nature of counterfeit pills makes them especially dangerous, further emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention efforts.
How to Identify Fake Pills
With the increasing sophistication of counterfeit drug manufacturing, it can be difficult to distinguish real pills from fake ones. However, here are four key indicators to look for:
1. Irregular Appearance
Fake pills may have slight discoloration, unusual markings, or an uneven texture.
The imprint on the pill may be blurry, faded, or slightly different from the legitimate version.
The shape or size may be inconsistent with genuine prescription medications.
2. Unusual Taste or Smell
Some counterfeit pills have a chemical or bitter taste that is different from authentic medications.
A strong chemical odor can also be a warning sign of illicit manufacturing.
3. Purchasing from Unverified Sources
If a pill is purchased from an unverified online vendor, social media, or a street dealer rather than a licensed pharmacy, there is a high probability that it is counterfeit.
Be especially cautious of any pills sold without a prescription.
4. Unexpected Effects
If a pill causes unexpected or extreme side effects, such as sedation, euphoria, or intense drowsiness, it may contain fentanyl or another dangerous substance.
Reactions that differ significantly from what is expected with a prescription drug should be taken as a red flag.
Steps to Protect Yourself and Others
To avoid the dangers of counterfeit pills, consider the following precautions:
Only Use Prescription Medications from Licensed Pharmacies – Never buy medications from unofficial sources or take pills that were not prescribed to you.
Be Aware of Online Scams – Many fake pills are sold through websites that appear legitimate but are actually fronts for illicit drug sales.
Test Your Drugs – Fentanyl test strips can help detect the presence of fentanyl in a substance, although they are not foolproof.
Carry Naloxone (Narcan) – Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. If you or someone you know is at risk, carrying naloxone can be a crucial precaution.
Educate Others – Raising awareness about fake pills can help prevent overdoses and save lives. Talk to friends, family, and community members about the dangers of counterfeit drugs.
The illicit fake pill market is a growing crisis that poses severe risks to individuals of all ages. With the rise of fentanyl-laced counterfeit medications, it is more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant. In 2021, the DEA seized more than 20.4 million fake prescription pills. In 2023, more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills were confiscated.
By recognizing the dangers, learning how to identify fake pills, and taking preventive measures, we can help reduce the devastating impact of counterfeit drugs and protect our communities from harm. If you suspect someone has taken a fake pill, seek medical help immediately and consider carrying naloxone as a precaution. Awareness and education are the most powerful tools in combating this deadly epidemic.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and worried about the risk of counterfeit medications, Northstar Recovery Center is here to help. We can help coordinate detox, and provide ongoing support via our in-person or virtual Day Treatment Program.
Don’t wait to get started. Give us a call and begin your recovery right now: 888-339-5756.
