Social media sites like Snapchat and TikTok are helping to drive fentanyl addiction by providing young people with a simple, relatively secret way to connect to drug dealers and arrange fentanyl purchases.
This Tribe Intensive NJ article explains the evolution of the social media fentanyl pipeline, why it has parents and authorities worried, and what’s being done about fentanyl addiction in NJ.
How Snapchat, TikTok and Other Apps Fuel Fentanyl Addiction
Thousands, perhaps millions of sons and daughters are buying fentanyl on Snapchat. Unbeknownst to their parents or loved ones. Countless drug busts and hours of law enforcement research have revealed this social media drug pipeline. But, how did we get here?
In the early 2010s, drug transactions were largely confined to face-to-face street deals or dark web marketplaces. However, with the rise of mainstream social media platforms, a new method emerged. Apps like Snapchat, known for their ephemeral messaging, and TikTok, with its viral short videos, inadvertently provided a safe haven for drug dealers.
Snapchat is Practically Built for Buying Drugs Like Fentanyl
Most apps like Snapchat have features, like self-destructing messages, private group chats, and coded language using emojis and hashtags, that allow dealers to advertise and discreetly connect with potential buyers.
Over time, these methods have grown more sophisticated, with sellers moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps, like Signal, after initial contact, making it a lot harder for authorities to trace these transactions.
Are Platforms Like Snapchat and Signal Making Fentanyl Addiction in NJ Worse?
It’s difficult to say for sure just what percentage of fentanyl sales are happening through Snapchat and other platforms. Obviously the privacy of these apps makes this a challenge. The companies that run these social media and communications platforms aren’t exactly eager to talk about the problem of fentanyl sales on Snapchat and other apps.
But, it’s fair to say that these technologies are making it easier for people to buy illegal drugs like fentanyl. That means they are at least indirectly making fentanyl addiction worse and NJ drug rehabs like ours are seeing the aftermath.
How social media plugs are making fentanyl addiction worse:
- People with social anxiety who might not use drugs otherwise, find it easier to buy fentanyl through Snapchat and TikTok.
- Those who might not know where to find drugs on the street can more easily find what they want online.
- Social media drug deals are more efficient, allowing dealers to serve more customers in less time—that means more fentanyl on the street.
How People Are Buying Fentanyl on Social Media in 4 Deadly Steps
1: Discovery:
A buyer finds a post on platforms like TikTok or receives a contact on Snapchat where a drug seller discreetly advertises their products using subtle cues.
2: Decoding the Message:
The post often contains coded language—using emojis, specific hashtags, or abbreviations—that signals drugs are available without being too obvious.
3: Moving to a Secure Chat:
After initial contact, the conversation typically shifts to a secure messaging app like Telegram, where messages aren’t easily monitored.
4: Arranging the Transaction:
Through these encrypted chats, the buyer and seller agree on the details. They may arrange to meet in person to exchange money for drugs, or sometimes the drugs are mailed out via FedEx or even USPS Priority Mail.
3 Ways NJ is Fighting Back Against Fentanyl Addiction
It’s no secret than New Jersey is a hotbed of fentanyl addiction. Sadly, we were ‘Ground Zero’ in the last two waves of the opioid crisis and we’re at the center of this one too.
But, Jersey is taking the fight to fentanyl addiction — here’s how:
1: Raising Awareness About Fentanyl Addiction
Articles like this are one of the ways we can initiate change. Raising awareness is essential. The more people know about the signs of fentanyl addiction, treatment and administering NARCAN, the more likely they are to stop a loved one, or even themselves, before it’s too late.
2: Dual-Diagnosis Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in NJ
Once someone is addicted to fentanyl, substance abuse treatment is the only logical next step. It may just save their lives. Top-tier fentanyl treatment programs in NJ, like Tribe Intensive build an individualized treatment plan that includes everything from detox placement to partial care and IOP. Dual-diagnosis programs like ours go the extra mile in treating co-occurring disorders like depression that can complicate recovery otherwise.
3: Long-Term Support and Recovery Planning
Recovery from fentanyl addiction doesn’t begin and end with addiction treatment. Medical detox, partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) are all part of the process. But, maintenance is required to keep your recovery sharp once you’re back out in the world. Tribe Intensive in NJ provides all of our alumni with an aftercare plan that acts as a sort of “roadmap to early recovery”.
Tribe Intensive: Where NJ Conquers Addiction
Tribe Intensive provides an ideal nurturing environment for strong recovery to grow. We educate. We inspire. We bring you into the tribe and help you find your strength.,
Think of treatment at Tribe Intensive as your training ground. We’re here to get you strong and healthy. We’re a holistic program to the core. That means we treat the mind, body and spirit.
It’s time to level up and take the fight to your addiction.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in NJ for Yourself
If you are ready to escape the prison of opioid addiction —- Let’s talk at 856-666-2484. Call anytime 24-hours a day.
If you’re not sure yet, but want to see what we have to offer, feel free to submit your info through our confidential portal and we’ll reach out to you.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in NJ for a Loved One
If you would like advice on helping someone you love with a substance use disorder, we’re here for you. Call anytime, 24 hours a day at 856-666-2484
