What Does Laced Mean? Definition, Slang, and Laced Drugs Risks

Laced Meaning in Plain English

What does “laced” mean?

Laced typically refers to mixing or adding something into something else. Within the health and safety discussion surrounding harmful substances being laced, there is often a significant level of unknown regarding how a substance has been mixed with another known or unknown substance or substances.[2]

What Does “Laced” Mean in Slang?

The slang term “laced” refers to putting some adulterant into drugs or alcohol, possibly without informing the potential user. The use of the term “laced” indicates the potential for there to be a danger to use of the item(s) in question.[3]

It is possible for many drug users to mistakenly assume that contamination is obvious by simply looking at the item. However, many counterfeit drugs and [3] contaminated drugs will look identical to uncontaminated drugs.

What Does “Laced” Mean With Drugs or Substances?

Laced drugs refer to a substance that has been knowingly and intentionally mixed or contaminated with another substance (drug or chemical) [4]. This can happen at many points in the supply chain and is not always intentional at the individual level.

High-risk examples include fentanyl-laced powders or counterfeit pills which may resemble prescription medications. Emerging additives such as xylazine have also been identified in the illegal drug supply, and consumers are often unaware that they contain them.[5]

Why are drugs laced?

Drug lacing occurs for several reasons:

• To enhance or modify effects, such as increasing potency or perceived strength.
• To stretch out the drug supply and increase profits.
• Due to contamination during the manufacturing or the distribution processes.

This means that even a user that believes they know exactly what they’re using will run the risk of unexpected effects when taking a drug that may have been laced.[2]

Which drugs are commonly reported as laced?

Public health reports often mention:

• Counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications
• Stimulant powders that may contain opioids
• Opioids mixed with other sedatives

How Can You Tell if a Drug Has Been Laced?

In most cases, you cannot tell if a drug has been laced by appearance, smell, or taste. Counterfeit pills and powders can look identical to expected products.[3]

Practical ways people reduce uncertainty

Drug checking information is a harm reduction strategy, but should not be considered as condoning Illegal behavior.

Fentanyl test strips are one way for individuals who wish to check their drugs to see if they contain the opioid fentanyl.[1] However, these strips come with some limitations; for example, just because a strip shows NO evidence of fentanyl does NOT mean that what an individual is about to take is safe — other dangerous drugs or additives could be present. There are also false negatives with the test strips. That means fentanyl may be present even though the test strip is negative.

Community-based drug checking services, when available, provide a broader range of screening options than fentanyl test strips.[4]

Awareness of xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used to adulterate substances, is also important because it can complicate the response to an overdose.[5]

Naloxone should always be available to counteract a potential opioid overdose.

Red flags that warrant emergency help

If an individual has any warning signs of a harmful drug reaction or overdose, such as severely slowed or stopped breathing, is not responsive, has blue or grey lips, feels confused about what they are experiencing, or is having seizures, call 911 immediately.[1] If you feel that something is wrong with a person, you should always call 911.

Dangers and Health Risks of Using Laced Drugs

Overdose risk

One of the most serious risks associated with using adulterated substances is overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the combination of fentanyl with other drugs creates a higher risk of fatal overdose due to the powerful potency of fentanyl.[4]

Unpredictable Responses

Combining the use of depressants (such as opioids, alcohol, and certain medications) significantly increases the chance of experiencing respiratory depression [2], slow or shallow breathing that can be life-threatening. When multiple substances are mixed without the user knowing, they dramatically increase the risk of suffering respiratory depression.

Potential Complications of Using Non-Opioid Additives

Additives such as xylazine do not respond to naloxone, though naloxone should still be administered if there is any chance that opioids were involved.[5] By using these non-opioid additives, an individual will complicate their care and recovery process.

Long-Term Harm

Beyond immediate dangers, the repeated use of contaminated substances increases the risk of development [4] of dependencies, negatively affects an individual’s mental health, and puts added stress on their organs. If a person in recovery is unexpectedly re-exposed to a contaminated substance, this can create significant distress and may negatively affect their recovery progress.

What to Do if You Think Someone Took a Laced Drug

Immediate steps

Immediately call emergency services and stay with that individual while monitoring for breathing and responsiveness. If available, you can administer naloxone [1]. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.

According to the CDC, in some instances where illicit opioids are involved, a second administration of naloxone may be required. Administering naloxone to an individual who was not using opioids will not have any negative health effects. Place the person in the recovery position (lying on their side with their hand supporting their head and their top knee bent to prevent rolling) and follow instructions from emergency responders. Clear communication is helpful; tell responders that an individual is not responsive or having difficulties with breathing and that you suspect an overdose.

Support, Recovery, and Next Steps

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) promote a public health approach to reducing overdose and drug-related harm, which includes education and raising awareness of naloxone access, drug testing technologies, and testing services. These organizations provide current information on issues associated with fentanyl and xylazine, as well as how to respond to an overdose.[2]

If you are worried about contaminated substances and continue to struggle with addiction, it is important to access long-term support services and seek addiction treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions