The dangers of substance abuse can be magnified when a person takes counterfeit drugs, because they have no way of knowing for sure what they are ingesting. This is the case with M30 pills or blues drugs. In today’s post, we discuss what are blues drugs, how to keep yourself safe, and what could happen if you use this substance.
If you or a loved one are suffering from drug addiction, our drug rehab in Nashville can help. Call us now at 615-234-9071 or verify your insurance now.
What Are Blues Drugs?
Blues drug is one of many names for counterfeit oxycodone. Other commonly used terms for this substance include M30 pills, dirty 30s, m-boxes, and Mexican blues. The M30 moniker refers to the “30” and the “M” that are stamped on each side of the pills, which mimics how legitimate 30 milligram oxycodone pills are marked.
One of the reasons why abusing these substances can be so hazardous is that it can be impossible to definitively answer the question, “What are blues drugs?”
Although these pills are designed to look like prescription oxycodone pills, there’s no guarantee of what ingredients they actually contain. For example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has reported that 70% of recently seized counterfeit prescription medications contained fentanyl.
The Dangers of Blues Drugs
Recreational oxycodone abuse can put a person at risk for considerable harm, including addiction, overdose, and death. These risks can increase exponentially when fentanyl is involved.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. The increased presence of illicit fentanyl in the U.S. has been identified as a significant factor in the nation’s ongoing struggle with rising rates of overdoses and overdose deaths.
The following statistics are from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
- In 1999, there were fewer than 20,000 overdose deaths in the United States.
- After years of steady increases, the nation topped 50,000 annual overdose deaths in 2015.
- In 2021, more than 106,000 people in the U.S. died as a result of a drug overdose.
- More than 70,000 of the overdose deaths in 2021 involved synthetic opioids other than methadone, a category that NIDA notes is made up primarily of fentanyl.
In addition to risking addiction and death, people who abuse blues drugs also increase their likelihood of experiencing the following physical, psychological, and social problems:
- Damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys
- Heart attack and stroke
- HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and other bloodborne diseases
- Sexual dysfunction
- Disrupted menstruation
- Cognitive impairments
- Onset or worsening of co-occurring mental illnesses
- Inability to find and keep a job
- Arrest and incarceration
- Financial devastation
- Ruined relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Homelessness
Signs of Addiction to M30 Pills (Blues Drugs)
Abusing M30 pills or blues drugs even once can have a devastating effect on a person’s health. But if someone becomes addicted to these counterfeit pills, the likelihood that they will incur the types of damage that we discussed in the previous section can rise precipitously.
If you’re able to identify the signs of M30 pill abuse and addiction, you might be able to help a loved one get the treatment they need before it’s too late.
The following signs can indicate that someone has been abusing blues drugs or other opioids:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Weakness and lethargy
- Difficulty staying awake
- Glassy eyes
- Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
- Shallow breathing
- Low body temperature
As this behavior continues, a person might begin to exhibit signs such as:
- Loss of appetite and resultant unintentional weight loss
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Secretiveness about how they spend their time and who they associate with
- Unexplained financial problems
- Trying to buy or steal medications that were prescribed to someone else
- Drastic changes in mood, mindset, and energy levels
- Frequent absenteeism and/or declining performance at work or in school
- Persistent nausea and constipation
When a person’s M30 abuse turns into an addiction, they may develop several or all of the following symptoms:
- Irresistible cravings for blues drugs
- Devoting large amounts of time to seeking, using, and recovering from the use of blues drugs
- Becoming agitated or irritated when they can’t acquire and use the drugs
- Using these drugs in ways that are especially hazardous, such as by combining them with alcohol, stimulants, or other addictive substances
- Continuing to use blues drugs even after incurring physical, psychological, or social damage as a direct result of prior use
- Needing to use larger amounts of blues drugs to experience the effects they are seeking (which is known as developing tolerance)
- Experiencing considerable physical and psychological distress when they try to end their use of blues drugs, or when they are prevented from using the substances
Anyone who exhibits these types of symptoms should consult with an addiction expert or another qualified healthcare provider immediately. This professional can assess their needs, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Get Help for Addiction to Blues Drugs (M30 Pills) in Nashville
If you or someone in your life has become addicted to blues drugs or any other opioids, Nashville Treatment Solutions is here to help.
Our continuum of care includes detoxification, a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (with both day and evening options), and traditional outpatient rehab. We also offer sober living houses for patients who need a supportive residence while they are receiving treatment.
All of our programs feature a customizable array of evidence-based services, provided by a team of highly skilled professionals. We understand that many people who enter treatment for addiction have been living with shame, guilt, and other negative emotions, and we are committed to serving our patients with compassion and respect.
To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call our center today.
