Two thirteen year old boys recently died from an overdose of a synthetic drug that is up to 8 times stronger than heroin. But, shockingly, this substance known as "pink" or "pinky" is a synthetic opioid that is legal in most states.
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The technical name U-47700 is easily accessible and can be purchased online. "It's terrifying to me. As a mom, you can't patrol your kid's internet completely," says nutritionist and mother Dr. Melina Jampolis.
ER physician Dr. Travis Stork shares that in his toxicology report, it was found that Prince had this substance in his system at the time of his death.
The DEA is working to make this a schedule one drug. DEA section chief Dr. Terry Boos joins The Doctors to discuss how they are taking action on "pink" by going after the distribution and sales of the drug. Dr. Boos shares that the drug is coming in from overseas, often China, and is hidden in shipments.
"Pink" and other synthetic drugs like it are introduced to mimic known controlled substances. Since it's so new, the DEA is scrambling to figure out it's pharmacology to make steps to get it named and classified as an illegal controlled substance.
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With more than 80 known overdose deaths associated with "pink," it's important to be aware of what your children or family members are purchasing over the internet. Also, be aware of the warning signs of someone using synthetic drugs.
