According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fentanyl is defined as a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
There are two types of fentanyl the CDC explains: pharmaceutical and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. Illicitly made fentanyl however is distributed through illegal drug markets for it’s heroin-like effects. The CDC says it is often added to other drugs because of it’s extreme potency, which make drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
So what’s the problem and how does this apply to you or your child? Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Taking pills from someone not prescribed to you that may look like a medication you’re familiar with (such as Adderall or Xanax) can actually be laced with other deadly ingredients and there is no way to recognize that as shown by the image below. In addition to not being able to visualize a difference you would not be able to taste or smell a difference. It only takes about 2 milligrams of fentanyl to be deadly…an amount that fits on the tip of a pencil.
Signs of An Overdose
Slow, weak, or no breathing
small, constricted “pinpoint” pupils
Limp body
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Choking or gurgling sounds
Cold clammy, and/or discolored skin
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMONE IS OVERDOSING
It can be difficult to tell if someone is high or experiencing an overdose. If you know something is off but you are not sure it’s best to treat the situation like an overdose as it could save a life.
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Administer Narcan/Naloxone if you have it
Try to keep the person awake and breathing
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
Stay with them until emergency workers arrive
Narcan / Naloxone
Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication called an “opioid antagonist” used to counter the effects of opioid overdose like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioid medication. It works within minutes and can be purchased over the counter.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CARRYING NARCAN IF YOU OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU:
Is struggling with opioid drug addiction
Is taking prescribed opioid medication
Uses opioids and benzodiazepines
Where can I Get Naloxone (Narcan)?
Most retail pharmacies sell Narcan over the counter without a prescription.
Free resources within our state include:
Common Sense Media
- Common Sense Media is an incredible resource for parents to find tons of articles on parenting, media, and so much more!