Gray Death | What To Know About This Dangerous Drug Mixture

In 2017, an extremely powerful drug (or “super drug”) began appearing in the United States, namely Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. You can quickly become euphoric or “high” from injecting, smoking, snorting, or otherwise ingesting the substance.

Dubbed “gray death” or “grey death,” this street drug poses a number of serious health risks, including overdose. 

What Is Gray Death Made Of?

Gray death contains a mixture of potent opioids. Opioids are painkillers that can promote a sense of intense joy and well-being, especially at high doses.

The specific opioids used in gray death vary from mixture to mixture. However, most mixtures include:

• heroin, a semi-synthetic opioid made from morphine
• fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s about 100 times more powerful than morphine
• carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that’s about 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and often used as a tranquilizer for large animals 
• U-47700, a synthetic opioid that’s sometimes called “U4” or “pinky”

When combined, these deadly opioids produce a gray substance that looks like concrete mix. Some forms of gray death resemble a fine powder, while others are hard and chunky. 

Dangers Of Gray Death

Because it’s made illegally with varying ingredients, gray death is among the strongest and most deadly drugs available. 

In fact, if you merely touch the drug, it could be absorbed through your skin and affect you. That’s why law enforcement officers and other first responders who handle gray death must wear personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Gray Death Overdose

Even a single dose of gray death can lead to a drug overdose. Common signs of overdose include:

• gurgling noises and/or vomiting
• pale, clammy skin
• bluish fingernails and/or lips
• limpness
• respiratory depression (slow, troubled breathing) 
• slowed heartbeat
• loss of consciousness (coma)

Immediately call 911 if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms. 

To prevent a fatal overdose, first responders will administer naloxone (brand name Narcan) to the person who overdosed. This medication can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Since gray death is so strong, the person will likely need multiple doses of naloxone to recover. 

If you or someone you love uses gray death or another opioid, keep naloxone on hand so you can administer it yourself before first responders arrive. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment 

After someone recovers from a gray death overdose, they’ll likely need professional treatment for opioid abuse and addiction. Available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, treatment programs offer services such as:

• medical detox, in which health care providers help people slowly and safely stop using opioids
• mental health counseling to identify triggers for drug use and change unhealthy behaviors
• support groups, where people who are struggling with opioid addiction can share coping strategies 

To learn more about treatment options for opioid abuse and addiction, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist today.