What Is Gray Death?

Gray Death is the name for a powerful combination of deadly opioids. The term “gray death” comes from the appearance of the drug mixture. Similar to other opioids, it can be used by snorting, injecting, swallowing, or smoking.

Using Gray Death can be fatal, even if a small amount is absorbed through the skin or airborne powder is inhaled. If you suspect a loved one of suffering from an opioid overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

What Is Gray Death Made Of?

Gray Death is a street drug that contains a deadly mixture of potent opioids. It is called Gray Death because the drug resembles concrete mixing powder and is gray in color. It can be chunky and solid in form or a fine powder, depending on what drugs are in the specific batch.

Gray Death may include the following synthetic opioids:

• heroin
• fentanyl
• furanyl fentanyl
• carfentanil
• U-47700

Fentanyl is at least 100 times more potent than morphine. Carfentanil, a tranquilizer for large animals, is at least 10,000 times stronger than morphine.

Gray Death drug mixtures vary, depending on the area it is produced in and what is available. The production of it is not regulated and there is never a safe way to use this drug combination.

Synthetic Opioids

Opioids are used in the medical field to treat severe pain, pain following surgery, or chronic pain. They include naturally occurring, like morphine, or synthetic forms of the drug, like fentanyl.

Opioids can be safe when used under a doctor’s care but are highly addictive and should not be used long-term.

Opioids include:

• oxycodone
• hydrocodone
• morphine
• codeine
• fentanyl

Opioids increase levels of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. This can cause a euphoric high, and if misused, can make the brain want more of the drug.

Heroin is an illicit opioid made from morphine that is cheaper than prescription drugs and widely available.

Side Effects Of Gray Death 

As the opioid crisis continues to impact the United States, more dangerous drugs are being abused at higher rates. Although people may seek the mix of opioids in Gray Death for a more intense high, it is often hidden in other drugs like cocaine or crystal methamphetamine.

Only a very small amount of drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil is needed to produce fatal consequences. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids were responsible for over 36,000 deaths in 2019.

Overdose Signs

Gray death can cause respiratory depression and a fatal overdose. Signs of overdose include:

• pinpoint pupils
• loss of consciousness
• limp or weak muscles
• nonresponsiveness
• slow or labored breathing
• slow pulse
• bluish skin tone
• choking or gurgling sounds

If you suspect an overdose, call for help immediately. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it nearby because it can help reverse an opioid overdose. However, overdoses caused by Gray Death may require multiple doses of naloxone.

Is Gray Death A Widespread Problem?

The opioid crisis, including the effects of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, has impacted the lives of millions of people. In recent years, Gray Death has been reported by police officers in several states across the United States.

First responders and law enforcement officials have been warned about the dangers of contact with Gray Death. Contact with skin or inhaling small amounts of airborne powder can cause a drug overdose.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Gulf Coast High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area reported a growing trend in Gray Death use as of 2017.

Other states, including Connecticut, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have also reported Gray Death-related overdose deaths.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you struggle with opioid addiction, you are at risk of unknowingly ingesting Gray Death.

When you use illicit drugs, you can never be sure of the strength or what is in the drug itself.

Addiction treatment programs and experienced professionals can help you through a wide range of personalized treatment options.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs, please contact our helpline today.

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• What Is U-47700?