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Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
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Fentanyl in Pressed Oxycodone Pills: A Qualitative Analysis of Online Community Experiences with an Emerging Drug

Simran Arya1,2, Suhas Nagappala2,3, Noa Krawczyk2

  • 1Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony, Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.

Substance Use & Misuse
|September 15, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills (M30s) are a growing concern. Many Reddit users discussed concerns about M30 pill contamination, anxiety over their composition, and strategies for harm reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Social Science
  • Digital Health

Background:

  • The prevalence of fentanyl-contaminated oxycodone pills, known as M30s, is a significant public health issue.
  • Understanding user perceptions and experiences with these contaminated pills is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine Reddit content to understand perceptions and experiences with fentanyl-contaminated M30 pills.
  • To identify themes related to awareness, anxiety, and harm reduction strategies among users.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 71 drug-related subreddits using 34 fentanyl-related search terms from January 1, 2021, to July 28, 2021.
  • Thematic analysis of a random subsample of 500 posts, with 226 relevant posts included.

Main Results:

  • Over one-third of posts mentioning fentanyl related to pressed M30 pills.
  • Pervasive suspicion of contamination (51.2%), anxiety over pill composition (40%), and discussion of mitigation/testing strategies (29.4%) were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Reddit users are aware of fentanyl contamination in the pressed pill market.
  • Online communities provide a platform for discussing harm reduction and anxieties related to fentanyl exposure.
Keywords:
M30Redditfentanyloxycodonepressed pillssocial media;

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