Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine[1][2][3][4]. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids[4]. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl[4].

Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and in counterfeit pills, often falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills[1]. These counterfeit pills can contain deadly doses of fentanyl and are widely accessible, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including teens and young adults[1].

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl[1]. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home[1]. A prescription is not required[1].

Signs of an overdose include small, constricted "pinpoint pupils," an extremely pale and/or cold or clammy face, a limp body, fingernails or lips with a purple or blue color, vomiting or making gurgling noises, and being unable to be awakened or speak[1][4]. To save a life, call 911 right away, try to wake the person up, give naloxone if available, begin rescue breathing or CPR, turn the person on their side to prevent choking, and stay with the person until emergency services arrive[1][4].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 22% from 2020 to 2021[3]. The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2021 was nearly 22 times the rate in 2013[3]. Nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2021[3].

The CDC recommends expanding distribution and use of naloxone and overdose prevention education, expanding awareness about and access to treatment for substance use disorders, intervening early with individuals at highest risk for overdose, and improving detection of overdose outbreaks to facilitate more effective response[3].

For emotional and substance use support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also provides a National Helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders[5].

Citations:

[1] https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-substance-use-resources/fentanyl-one-pill-kills

[2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/fentanyl.pdf

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html

[5] https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline