What to Know About Fentanyl & Overdose
*If you are in an emergency situation with suspected overdose immediately call 9-1-1
Fentanyl is an opioid that is up to 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is an additive that is being added to illegal drugs. It comes through the street market in the form of white, gray or tan powder that can be injected, smoked or snorted. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects.
As part of our Harm Reduction program we’re offering NARCAN® boxes for free to help us prevent overdose deaths in our region. We encourage you to carry it with you because you never know when the need might arise. Below you’ll see how to use NARCAN®. When you pick up your box you’ll also receive instructions to keep with it. Learn more about Fentanyl here.
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Common Signs of Overdose
Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Fall asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold, clammy and/or discolored skin
What should you do if you think someone is overdosing?
Don’t think that someone is just high because they could be in a life or death situation. Treat the situation like an overdose and do the following immediately:
- Call 911
- Administer the can of NARCAN® (pick up a can for free from any of our health department locations to keep with you)
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
- Stay with them until emergency workers arrive
Are Your Drugs Deadly?
Fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdose because they tell you if your drugs contain a deadly opioid like fentanyl. We’ve seen this added to heroin, meth, cocaine, and pills. You should use these test strips on all drugs, not just heroin. But, understand that there’s still a risk, even with these test strips as it may not pick up all relatives of fentanyl. If you would like to test your drugs, inquire about picking up these test strips at your local health department.
Ready to make a change?
We recommend contacting Four Rivers Behavioral Health about their addiction treatment. They’re there to help you take the first step.