Serenity Lane Warns the Dangers of Fentanyl-Lacing

One of the oldest nonprofits in Oregon, Serenity Lane recently posted a blog discussing fentanyl lacing in weed. With fentanyl-related overdoses increasing by nearly 75% from 2019 to 2020, knowing about how to spot fentanyl in any substance can be a matter of life or death. Serenity Lane understands that having easy access to unbiased, educational material about substances, their dangers, and their side effects can be both important for the health of Oregonians and for lowering the stigma around substance use and recovery.

The blog first goes into explaining what “lacing” is. “The term ‘laced’ normally refers to something contaminating another substance,” the article states. “Whatever the product is that is being added into the other substance is normally harmful or toxic, and might not be detectable to the average person.” Lacing, as it turns out, is not the same as cutting. Cutting refers to when things are added to a drug to dilute it, normally to save costs for the dealer. Lacing, on the other hand, refers to other substances that alter the effects of a drug being added to enhance or otherwise impact the side effects of it.

Because of the opioid epidemic and general concern over opioid use as a whole, many people might wonder if substances like weed are laced with fentanyl. Serenity Lane wants to assure that this is not the case, especially here in Oregon where weed is legalized. “If you obtained your marijuana legally, the odds of it being laced with fentanyl are very low. This doesn’t mean it can’t be or that it couldn’t become contaminated in the future depending on where it’s been. Additionally, if you receive marijuana from someone else, even if they say they got it legally, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Serenity Lane wants to inform people of their ability to utilize fentanyl testing strips, which are legal in Oregon and can sometimes be obtained for free. They encourage people to utilize these if they ever have any doubts, no matter what substance they’re testing. Adding unknown substances to the body can have potentially negative effects, and the use of more than one substance at a time, known as polysubstance use, can increase the risk of overdose.

“An overdose occurs when you have more substances in your body than it is able to both process and safely hold. Your liver is the primary processing center for toxins within your body, and it can only process so much at a time.” The article continues to explain. It even gives additional tips for signs to look out for that someone might be experiencing an overdose. The most important piece of advice, however, is this one. “In Oregon, the Good Samaritan Law prevents you from getting into legal trouble for seeking medical help for an overdose. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t be afraid to get help.”

Whether patients are looking for recovery from marijuana or fentanyl, Serenity Lane is here to help. They offer MAT and detox programs for opioid use disorders, like fentanyl, as well as inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance use as a whole.

Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also been the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.

People who would like to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.