Laced Meaning: What Does It Mean When a Drug Is Laced?

When referring to street drugs, the word “laced” means the drug is mixed with another drug, chemical, or harmful substance. Many prescription drugs and narcotics sold on the street are laced with substances unknown to the user. Laced drugs make the already-dangerous practice of abusing drugs even riskier.

One of the risks of laced drugs is substance abuse, which can then lead to other complications such as substance use disorder and overdose. It may be essential to note, however, that because it’s so potent, a single dose of fentanyl or a drug laced with fentanyl can lead to a fatal overdose.

It’s impossible to tell by taste, sight, or smell whether a drug is laced. The best way to avoid laced drugs is to avoid taking recreational drugs or acquiring drugs by any other means than from your doctor or pharmacist.

What Is A Laced Drug?

A drug is considered “laced” when it contains another substance unbeknownst to the dealer and/or the user of the drug. Sometimes, illicit drugs are laced with other drugs, but they can also be laced with other harmful substances and even toxic chemicals. Lacing happens for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, a drug is laced with another drug to heighten its effects. Other times, drugs are laced with substances to reduce the cost of making the drug or to boost supplies.

Dangers of Laced Drugs

Using drugs recreationally presents many risks, but when drugs are laced with other unknown substances, that risk can be multiplied exponentially. Here are some of the additional risks posed by the practice of lacing prescription drugs and street drugs:

• Worsened side effects: Combining illicit drugs with other substances increases the risk of adverse side effects and can make these side effects more severe.
• Serious health risks: Taking drugs laced with an unknown substance can pose a serious risk to your health. Some of these risks include allergic reactions and dangerous drug interactions. For example, mixing two stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine could cause someone to have a heart attack. Likewise, combining two sedatives like opioids and benzodiazepines could cause respiratory depression, resulting in slowed or stopped breathing.
• Increased risk of substance use disorders: Some drugs are more addictive than others, and drugs mixed with other addictive substances can increase the risk of dependency. If you take laced drugs regularly, you could even develop polysubstance use disorder.
• Increased risk of overdose: Laced drugs are more likely to cause an overdose, which can be life-threatening.

Fentanyl-Laced Drugs and Overdoses

The use of fentanyl-laced drugs has become an epidemic in the United States, contributing to more than 100,000 overdose deaths per year. [1] Fentanyl is the most potent opioid drug available, and even a small amount of this dangerous substance can result in a fatal overdose. For reference, this synthetic opioid is considered 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. [2]

Fentanyl is commonly used to lace drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. It’s increasingly being used in marijuana and prescription pills that are designed to resemble other opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, for example, as well as benzodiazepines like Valium. [3]

Signs of Fentanyl Overdose

If a loved one is using drugs recreationally, including prescription drugs, they’re at risk of overdosing on fentanyl-laced drugs. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of a fentanyl overdose: [4]

• Cold, clammy skin
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Limp arms or legs
• Losing consciousness
• Vomiting
• Making gurgling or snoring sounds
• Frothing at the mouth
• Slowed breathing
• Decreased heart rate
• Pinpoint pupils

Signs of a fentanyl overdose should be treated as a medical emergency. If you have access to naloxone, administer it to reverse the effects of the overdose, and then call 911.

Signs of Substance Abuse

If you’re worried that a loved one is using dangerous street drugs, there may be some signs of substance abuse you can look for, including: [5]

• The presence of drug paraphernalia
• Changes in behavior or personality
• Mood swings
• Financial problems
• Change in personal hygiene
• Spending time with new friends
• Sudden lack of energy or loss of motivation
• Poor performance at work or school

If your loved one is abusing drugs, it could be essential to seek professional assistance. Substance abuse carries many risks, including accidents and injuries, legal problems, substance use disorder, and overdose. Getting help for substance abuse before it progresses to substance use disorder could result in a quicker and easier recovery.

Addiction Treatment

Laced drugs are just one of the many risks faced by people who have developed a drug addiction. Fortunately, help is available. A qualified substance use and rehabilitation counselor can create a treatment plan for recovery that meets your individual needs. Services available include medical detox, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, aftercare services, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laced Drugs