Facebook Searches for Opioids Now Route Users to Drug Abuse Services
Facebook has long been a popular meeting place for drug dealers and buyers. Until recently, Facebook users have been able to connect with opioid dealers by searching for related terms such as “Fentanyl,” “OxyContin,” and “Xanax,” as well as other name-brand pain relievers and synthetic opioid drugs. However, related searches now only turn up news articles about opioid abuse, making it far more challenging for Facebook users to connect with dealers on the platform.
Facebook Offers to Help Users Making Opioid-Related Queries
More explicit searches like “Buy OxyContin” or “Opioid dealer” are met with a message from Facebook that says “Can we help? If you or someone you know struggles with opioid misuse, we would like to help you find ways to get free and confidential treatment referrals, as well as information about substance use, prevention, and recovery.” Users then have the option to click “Get support,” at which point Facebook redirects to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).
The social media giant is currently working to find ways to identify and block dealers who are attempting to bypass this new security feature by putting drug names such as Fentanyl and Oxycodone in their usernames.
Struggling with Opioid Abuse in Arizona? We Can Help, Too.
At Decision Point Center, we take a contemporary view of opioid abuse, dependence, and addiction. Like Facebook, we are always innovating, always growing, and always working to deliver the best experience possible for everyone we serve. We incorporate the latest research and expertise into our treatments and therapies, and our clinicians rely on evidence-based methods when helping you permanently overcome your addiction. When you come to our drug rehab center in Prescott, you will receive the tools, strategies, and support you need to win the day and conquer your addiction one day at a time.
Call (844) 292-5010 to learn more about our drug rehabilitation programs in Arizona, or send us a message to tell us how we can help you.