What is Gray Death?
Gray Death can be composed of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, U-47700, other synthetic opioids and unknown additives. While all batches of Gray Death contain potentially deadly doses of opioids, there is limited consistency in their composition. Illicit manufacturers show little concern with exact measures or uniform compounds. Gray death’s potency and low cost are part of its attraction for users. It can be purchased for only $10.
What does Gray Death look like?
Gray Death has the appearance of fine, powdery cement or chunky concrete.
How is Gray Death abused?
Gray Death may be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted..
How does Gray Death affect a person?
Common opioid effects include feelings of euphoria and alleviation of pain. Gray Death is abused to attain a euphoric high.
What are the health effects/risks of using Gray Death?
Drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, constipation, slowed breathing, lightheadedness, fatigue and weakness may accompany the use of any opioids. A large single dose of an opioid can cause severe respiratory depression or death.
Illicit manufacturers produce batches inconsistent in measures or ingredients, so potency of Gray Death is difficult to determine. The use of Gray Death has been compared to a game of Russian roulette. Because synthetic opioids can be easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin, Gray Death is also posing significant danger to law enforcement and other first responders.
First responders claim overdose victims can require several doses of Narcan or naloxone to revive them, if victims can be revived at all. Gray Death is further fueling the opioid epidemic and overdose deaths.
