What Are Blues? The Truth About Blue Oxycodone Pills & Their Dangers

The Blues and the Dangers of Oxycodone Abuse

The blues are a street version of oxycodone that has become increasingly popular in the United States. These pills are designed to look like prescription medication, but many blues are counterfeit. In many cases, they are adulterated with fentanyl and other substances.

These blue pills play a major role in the opioid epidemic in the United States. Like other opioids, the blues are incredibly addictive and can lead to fatal overdoses. If you or a loved one have an addiction to oxycodone, it’s important to get professional help as you begin the recovery process.

What Is Oxycodone?

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) is a type of semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic. Synthesized from the poppy plant, this drug is normally prescribed for pain relief. Unfortunately, oxycodone is often misused because of its enjoyable side effects.

Recreational users take oxycodone because it gives them a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, it can also cause side effects, such as sedation, muscle weakness, cough suppression, and constipation. If you take too much, you may experience some of the following signs of an overdose.

• Fainting
• Coma
• Respiratory depression
• Slow heart rate
• Clammy skin
• Drowsiness

Long-term oxycodone abuse has a damaging effect on the body. Because it is often administered with acetaminophen, long-term use can lead to severe liver damage. Additionally, oxycodone consumption can lead to fractures, low bone density, and an increased likelihood of infections.

Oxycodone works by altering your pain perception. Normally, your nerves send signals to your central nervous system and brain when you’re experiencing pain. When you take oxycodone, it blocks these signals from being received. As a result, you experience less pain.

While blues are a common street version of oxycodone, it can be sold in different forms. The two basic varieties are extended-release and immediate-release oxycodone. You may also hear it sold as OxyContin, Percocet, Shortec, and Oxypro.

Blues: The Street Name and Its Origins

Blues get their name because they have a blue color. While they are supposed to be made from oxycodone, counterfeit pills may also contain fentanyl and other drugs. To make blues look like prescription medication, drug dealers will typically stamp them with the same “M30” designation. While many people refer to these drugs as blues, this street drug is also called by the following names.

• M-30s
• Dirty 30s
• Mexies
• Buttons
• Cotton
• 30s

The Dangers of Misusing Blues

Like over-the-counter oxycodone, blues are known to be addictive. Additionally, blues abuse is dangerous in other important ways.

Addiction Potential

Blues and other opioids are known to be incredibly addictive. While individuals can vary, the average person can become addicted to oxycodone in just a couple of weeks. Over time, your body becomes accustomed to having oxycodone present. Once this drug is taken away, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Because withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable, it’s important to seek out professional medical care when you decide to detox from oxycodone. During withdrawal, you may experience vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, tremors, hot flashes, sweating, disturbed sleep, and other physical symptoms. Often, people suffer from cravings, anxiety, and irritability as well.

Short-Term Health Problems

When someone has a substance abuse disorder, it can lead to short-term and long-term health problems. While someone is using, they may experience dilated pupils, weight loss, numbness to pain, itchiness, balance problems, drowsiness, and impaired memory.

Whether you are a new or old user, you can still end up overdosing on this drug. Because it is a respiratory depressant, it can cause slow, shallow breathing. An overdose is more likely if someone is taking alcohol or benzodiazepines at the same time. While naloxone can help counter the overdose, it is important to seek professional help immediately.

Blues drugs, commonly referring to counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, carry significant risks and serious side effects. These include:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and dizziness
• Constipation
• Slowed or difficult breathing
• Feelings of euphoria followed by depression or anxiety

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe respiratory depression (dangerously slowed breathing)
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Increased risk of overdose and death due to unpredictable fentanyl levels
• Rapid onset of addiction and dependence

In addition to its physical effects, oxycodone abuse can also lead to mental health problems. For example, you may experience anxiety, panic, or paranoia. People who use oxycodone regularly often deal with anger and mood swings. As the addiction takes hold, they may lose interest in doing activities that they once loved.

Long-Term Health Issues

In the long run, oxycodone abuse can cause major damage to the heart and liver. It can lead to lasting mental health problems. Because people often take more risks when they are using drugs, accidents and injuries are more likely.

Long-Term Risks can include:

• Physical and psychological dependence
• Chronic fatigue and mental confusion
• Increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
• Social withdrawal and impaired relationships
• Severe, lasting damage to physical health

When someone has an addiction, substance use becomes their central focus in life. They spend a large part of their waking hours using drugs or finding out where to access drugs. Over time, their drug use can negatively impact their career, scholastic pursuits, and relationships.

Each time you buy blues, you are taking a major risk. When drugs are purchased from a dealer, there is no way to know if they contain actual oxycodone. Unfortunately, an increasing number of counterfeit pills contain fentanyl. Because of how powerful fentanyl is, it can lead to accidental overdoses.

Additionally, oxycodone can end up serving as the gateway to heroin. Once someone has developed an addiction, heroin’s lower price may make it more appealing.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from blues drugs (typically counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl) can be severe and uncomfortable due to their powerful opioid effects. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Early Withdrawal Symptoms (within hours after last use):

• Anxiety and agitation
• Restlessness and irritability
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sweating and chills
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Yawning excessively

Later Withdrawal Symptoms (24–72 hours after last use):

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
• Intense cravings
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Dilated pupils

Psychological Symptoms:

• Depression and anxiety
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of hopelessness

Withdrawal from fentanyl-containing blues drugs can be particularly intense, increasing the risk of relapse. It’s crucial to undergo detox under medical supervision through professional treatment programs, preferably in an inpatient or outpatient setting, to ensure safety, comfort, and successful long-term recovery.

Recognizing Oxycodone Abuse

If you think that a loved one may have a substance use disorder, there are a few common indicators that you should watch out for. Physically, you may notice constricted pupils, slurred speech, or sleepiness. In addition to looking different, they may also lose a significant amount of weight.

Psychologically, the individual may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability. They may undergo changes to their behavior or financial issues. Often, individuals will become socially isolated when they have an addiction because they don’t want to be judged by others. When they do visit friends, the friends are likely fellow users as well.

Seeking Help and Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one has an addiction to oxycodone, professional help is available. There are a variety of resources available to help you safely recover from substance abuse.

Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Detox is normally the first step in an individual’s recovery process. In a professional detox center, you can be supervised by medical professionals constantly. Other than preventing you from relapsing, this type of supervision can help you alleviate and prevent major withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

During rehab, you can receive many different types of therapy. The following therapies are just a few of the different treatment options available.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Group and individual therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Couples therapy
• Peer recovery specialists

When you go through the intake process, an addiction specialist will review your medical information, addiction history, and co-occurring disorders. Then, they will create an individualized treatment plan to match your unique needs.

Support Groups and Addiction Resources

At a good treatment center, you will get connected with a variety of drug addiction resources. For example, you can attend aftercare programs, ongoing therapy sessions, and group support meetings. All of these resources will help you remain sober after your treatment is complete.

Addiction Education and Prevention

While naloxone was originally approved in 1971 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Narcan wasn’t approved until 2015. Because it was a nasal spray, Narcan was a true game changer for treating overdoses. In states that passed laws making Narcan access easier, opioid overdoses dropped by 14%.

Ultimately, the best way to prevent overdoses is by educating young people about the dangers of oxycodone abuse. Parents and family members can prevent substance use by making sure that prescription medications are stored safely. If a prescription is not used, it should be disposed of properly. Many medical offices offer safe disposal options for patients.

More importantly, parents should talk to their loved ones about substance abuse. Children need to be aware of the dangers before they are placed in a situation where they might use drugs. Through open communication and education, loved ones can reduce the likelihood of a future substance abuse problem.

Beware of the Blues

Like any form of oxycodone, blues are prone to misuse. Due to the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to detox with the help of professional treatment programs. With both residential and outpatient treatment options available, you can confidently take the first steps toward long-term recovery. To learn more, reach out to an addiction specialist at Illinois Recovery Center today.

FAQ

---