Frankenstein Opioids: Ingredients, Dangers, & More

Frankenstein opioids can potentially cause extreme suffering to those who use them. These substances are often mixed with common street drugs such as cocaine and heroin, but are designed to resemble Vicodin, Percocet, or Oxycodone. In most cases, users are unaware they’re buying Frankenstein opioids.

Using Frankenstein opioids causes significant changes in the brain and body. This blog discusses Frankenstein opioids, the dangers they present, and what the recovery process entails.

What are Frankenstein Opioids?

Frankenstein Opioids, also known as nitazines, are Schedule I drugs that have been spreading across the U.S. and Canada. These drugs are often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or fentanyl. The common drug fentanyl, for example, is a highly potent substance about 100 times stronger than morphine. Compared to fentanyl, Frankenstein opioids can be about 40 times more powerful.

Nitazine compounds, including isotononitazine and protonitazene, can be found in common, illicit street drugs targeted to individuals with opioid use disorders. Most people who acquire drugs like heroin or cocaine are often unaware they come tainted with nitazines.

Another drug that has been heavily combined with fentanyl is xylazine. Xylazine is a sedative primarily used for large animals. It is added to fentanyl to prolong its high (or euphoria). When combined with fentanyl, this drug can trigger irreversible and fatal overdoses.

Read more: Fentanyl: The Drug Fueling America’s Opioid Epidemic

Dangers of Frankenstein Opioids

Those who unknowingly use this drug either become unconscious or sway repeatedly in an attempt to stay awake. Several photographs of people who had used these substances reveal visible and oozing sores – lending them a zombie-like appearance. Additionally, adding xylazine to fentanyl leads to severe bone, muscle, and skin infections.

Many of the infections caused by this combination require immediate hospitalization. However, the resulting withdrawal phase that occurs post-treatment comes with countless life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. The addiction is so strong that patients abandon their hospital stay despite their doctor’s recommendation to procure more of these substances.

Frankenstein Opioids and Polysubstance Abuse

In some overdose cases, the individual accidently or intentionally consumed two more substances, also called polysubstance abuse. Some take one substance for recreational purposes and another prescribed medication for a diagnosed mental health or physical disorder. For instance, prescription medications like anxiety pills can induce a sedative effect. But when combined with Xanax (a stronger sedative), the combination can stop the user’s breathing. When more than one drug is taken simultaneously, the combination can either boost or dimmish the effects of each substance. This can result in dangerous, unpredictable consequences.

It can be impossible to detect the effects of substances when one prescription substance is mixed with another recreational one. For instance, merging a stimulant like meth with a depressant like benzodiazepines can trigger health hazards like cognitive impairment, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems. With Frankenstein drugs, the effects are largely unknown since these drugs have never been tested on humans before. Frankenstein opioids have only exacerbated the drug use problem that the U.S. has been facing. The only effective solution to these issues is plenty of awareness, thorough education, and consistent treatment.

Read more: 7 Non-Opioid Drugs for Post-Surgery Pain Relief

How #OnePillCanKill

About six in ten drugs that the DEA seizes are known to include fentanyl. But this awareness can fly past users, and more and more young people are buying these illicit counterfeit substances. To combat this issue, many government entities have created a campaign known as #OnePillCanKill. This campaign aims to educate users and their families about the dangers of consuming unknown pills like Frankenstein opioids.

Pills like Vicodin, Adderall, and Oxycontin are constantly and illegally sold on the streets. Usually, these pills are not what the dealer claims they are. Since younger generations can easily acquire these pills, they can accidentally mix or take fatal substances. 

Today, more than ever, people must be aware of how their teens or loved ones acquire Frankenstein opioids, educate them on the dangers of these pills, and take immediate action if they ever notice their loved ones using these substances.

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at Oasis Recovery Center

If you or your loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, help is just a tap away. Opioid use disorder is not the end to a good story. With the right medically assisted treatment, support, and dedication, it is more than possible to recover from opioid abuse.

At Oasis Recovery Center, our holistic rehabilitation treatment offers a variety of comprehensive programs, including detox partnerships, intensive outpatient care, aftercare, and constant (round-the-clock) care to set you on the path to recovery. Once you arrive at your facility, our clinician will analyze your needs and craft a program tailored to you. Take the first step toward recovery, and contact us today.