Ind. Officials Warn First Responders After Gray Death Drug Enters State

Gray Death is a mixture of heroin and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and a drug called carfentanil. It looks like concrete, which is where it gets its name.

On Thursday, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to the public and emergency responders who might come in contact with Gray Death. If the tainted heroin gets on a person's skin or is accidentally inhaled, the person could experience a overdose.

Heroin and fentanyl are dangerous on their own, but the carfentanil in Gray death is of a different, far greater magnitude.

Under its trade name, it is a general anesthetic for large animals, such as elephants. It is so toxic in even small amounts, it can--and possibly has--been made an aerosol and used as a chemical weapon. The Indiana DHS says it is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

Gray Death--carfentanil included--made its way to Indiana this week, causing an overdose in central Indiana, state officials said in Thursday's warning.

One of the many dangers of heroin is that it is impossible to tell if the substance is actually heroin or if it is mixed with something else, such as carfentanil.

"Even seasoned users who are getting it can't tell," Detective Jim Palmer of the Vigo County Drug Task Force said of adulterated heroin.

And Terre Haute has seen a large increase in the prevalence of heroin among drug users in the past two years, Palmer said. Police last month issued a warning after four overdose deaths from heroin were documented in Vigo County.

Christy Crowder, a recovering heroin addict who agreed to speak to the Tribune-Star, said she wasn't surprised to hear about Gray Death, nor does she think its toxicity will frighten addicts.

"As crazy as it seems, when we hear about a 'new heroin,' something that's stronger, that's what you go to looking for," Crowder said of her experience.

Crowder said she is sure she has seen the drug in the past, based on its description.

Now nine months sober and regaining her life as a mentor coordinator at the Next Step Foundation recovery center, Crowder said opioid addiction often begins with prescription medications, then devolves to heroin. Heroin is simply easier to find, and it's cheaper.

The nature of addiction is such that people are always looking for a stronger drug, thus the lack of fear of synthetic opioids and other dangerous ingredients in any "new heroin." After a point, some heroin users simply don't care what they are getting mixed in with their dose, Crowder said.

"You get to the point where you just have to have it not to be sick," she said.

A family physician who is also certified in addiction, Dr. Jim Turner agrees.

He says its hard for people who haven't been trained in addiction--or been through it--to understand the suspension of logic that would lead a person to put incredibly dangerous substances into their bodies.

"Pain is subjective," Turner said. "You cannot see it."

The reason for the deadly cocktail of drugs being added to heroin is partly economic--to stretch the drug being sold--and partly to make it more desirable to the users who want a stronger, longer effect.

But that is where the lethal danger multiplies, and the reason for Thursday's warning from state agencies.

Carfentanil and other fentanyl-related compounds are a serious danger to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment, and laboratory personnel, state officials said.

And the highly dangerous compounds can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, and spray. The substances can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder, according to Indiana DHS.

This is what the state is recommending to first responders:

- Exercise extreme caution with any suspected opioid delivery method. Wear gloves and masks when responding to any situation where carfentanil or fentanyl is suspected. If possible, cover as much of the skin as possible when responding.

- Be aware of any sign of exposure. Symptoms include: respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness or profound exhaustion, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms may occur within minutes.

- Seek immediate medical attention immediately. Any needle stick should be medically evaluated as soon as possible.

- Do not touch any potential drug materials or paraphernalia. Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder.

- Even if naloxone (an antidote) is available, always send an overdose victim to the hospital for monitoring. Naloxone may wear off before the effects of the opioid, making it possible for the victim to stop breathing again.

Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or at lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter at TribStarLisa.

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