Fentanyl Facts
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50x stronger than heroin & 100x stronger than morphine. Due to Fentanyl’s strength, small amounts can result in fatal overdose or death.
Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. There are two types of Fentanyl: pharmaceutical Fentanyl and illicitly manufactured Fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Illicitly manufactured Fentanyl refers to a synthetic opioid drug that is produced illegally and distributed outside of legitimate medical channels.
However, most recent cases of Fentanyl-related overdoses are linked to illicitly manufactured Fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. In response to the alarming rise in Fentanyl-related overdoses, there has been a concerted effort among public health officials, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to raise awareness, provide access to addiction treatment and crack down on the illicit production and distribution of this deadly substance.
How to Recognize Substance Abuse Indicators & Warning Signs:
- Changes in Behavior:
- Sudden mood swings
- Unexplained irritability or aggression
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Physical Signs:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Poor hygiene or grooming habits
- Speech and Coordination:
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination or clumsiness
- Rapid or slow movements
- Social Isolation:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Neglect of responsibilities at work or school
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Financial Changes:
- Frequent requests for money without a clear purpose
- Draining of savings or sudden financial difficulties
- Unexplained purchases or cash withdrawals
- School or Work Performance:
- Decline in academic or job performance
- Frequent absenteeism or tardiness
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed subjects or tasks
- Physical Health Issues:
- Unexplained health problems or illnesses
- Neglect of medical issues
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Legal and Ethical Issues:
- Involvement in legal problems
- Unethical or dishonest behavior
- Engaging in risky activities without regard for consequences
- Changes in Relationships:
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Difficulty maintaining healthy connections
- Loss of trust and communication breakdown
- Denial and Secrecy:
- Frequent denial of substance use
- Secrecy about activities and whereabouts
- Defensive reactions when questioned about behavior
Deaths Involving Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl Are On The Rise.
Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like Fentanyl.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. Drugs may contain deadly levels of Fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with Fentanyl.
Overdose Deaths In California In 2021 (10,901)
Source: Drug Overdose Mortality by State
Fentanyl Deaths In The United States In 2021 (71,000)
In 2021, nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (other than methadone) occurred in the United States, which is more deaths than from any other type of opioid. Synthetic opioid-involved death rates increased by over 22% from 2020 to 2021 and accounted for nearly 88% of all opioid-involved deaths in 2021. The number of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2021 was nearly 23 times the number in 2013.
Source: Fentanyl Contamination of Other Drugs Is Increasing Overdose Risk
Opioid Related OVERDOSE Deaths In The United States In 2022 (109,000)
Preliminary reports indicate that more than 109,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2022; nearly 70% of these involved synthetic opioids other than methadone, primarily illegally manufactured Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs (IMFs).
Source: Routes of Drug Use Among Drug Overdose Deaths — United States, 2020–2022
Opioid Related OVERDOSE Deaths In California 2022 (7,000)
Nearly 7,000 Californians died from opioid-related overdoses in 2022. Over 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occur per year across the country – more than 90% of which involve Fentanyl.
Source: California Adds Resources to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Nonfatal Drug OVERDOSE Emergency Department Visits In California In 2022 (47,975)
Source: Nonfatal Overdose Emergency Department and Inpatient Hospitalization Discharge Data
Nonfatal Opioid OVERDOSE Emergency Department Visits In California In 2022 (23,864)
Source: Nonfatal Overdose Emergency Department and Inpatient Hospitalization Discharge Data
Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl:
Illicitly manufactured Fentanyl is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder.
Powdered Fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with Fentanyl. In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
Street Names For Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl:
- Apache
- Dance Fever
- Friend
- Goodfellas
- Great Bear
- He-Man
- Poison
- Drop Dead
- Jackpot
- Murder 8
- Tango & Cash
- China Girl
- China Town
- China White
- Serial Killer
- Flatline
Highlighting the vital need for parental education on the risks linked to this powerful opioid, we are committed to empowering parents with crucial information. We offer a comprehensive Emoji Drug Code Reference PDF, shedding light on subtle symbols and codes utilized for discreet communication regarding drug-related activities, including Fentanyl. This resource endeavors to narrow the communication gap between parents and their children, promoting a proactive stance in drug prevention. Click the button below to download the PDF, providing you with a valuable tool to stay informed and vigilant in safeguarding your loved ones.
How Is It Consumed?
Snorted/sniffed, smoked, orally by pill or tablet, spiked onto blotter paper, patches, sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances, has been identified in fake pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone.
What Is The Effect On The Body?
Similar to other opioid analgesics, Fentanyl produces effects such as: relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.
How Is It Abused?
Fentanyl can be injected, snorted/sniffed, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, and spiked onto blotter paper. Fentanyl Patches are abused by removing it’s gel contents and then injecting or ingesting these contents. Patches have also been frozen, cut into pieces, and placed under the tongue or in the cheek cavity.
What Are The Effects Of An Overdose?
Overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. The presence of a triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression strongly suggests opioid intoxication.
What To Do If Someone Is Overdosing:
Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and save lives. Get FREE Narcan now.
It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose – you could save a life.
✔ Call 911 Immediately
✔ Administer Narcan
✔ Try to keep the person awake and breathing
✔ Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
✔ Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives
* Most states have laws that may protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from legal trouble.
** Mothers in Grief Support Group NPO is a licensed Narcan distributor in the State of California.
Signs Of An Overdose:
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life.
✔ Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
✔ Falling asleep or losing consciousness
✔ Slow, weak, or no breathing
✔ Choking or gurgling sounds
✔ Limp body
✔ Cold and/or clammy skin
✔ Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
Can Fentanyl Use Lead To Addiction?
Yes. Fentanyl is addictive because of its potency. A person taking prescription Fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.
Addiction is the most severe form of a substance use disorder (SUD). SUDs are characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug use that can be difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home. An SUD can range from mild to severe.
How To Administer Narcan (Naloxone)
Opioid overdose continues to be the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.
Approximately every 8 minutes, on average, a person dies from an opioid overdose. There are many reasons for opioid overdose emergencies, and most often they happen accidentally and at home.
Step 1
Peel
Peel back the package to remove the device. Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
Step 2
Place
Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the patient’s nose.
Step 3
Press
Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient’s nose.
Public Service Announcements
Parents – talk to your children about fentanyl. One pill can kill and teens are an app or a text away from a fentanyl overdose or death.
Padres: hablen con sus hijos sobre el fentanilo. Una pastilla puede matar y los adolescentes son una aplicación o un mensaje de texto por una sobredosis de fentanilo o la muerte.
The Fresno County District Attorney held a press conference on the growing danger of fentanyl use and distribution throughout Fresno County. Speakers included Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, John Zanoni (Fresno Sheriff), Jim Yovino (Fresno County Superintendent of Schools), Dawan Utecht (director of Behavioral Health), Dr. Rais Vohra (Department of Public Health), and Benny Ortiz (DEA).