FENTANYL FACT SHEET
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
Fentanyl is a type of opioid. It is extremely strong; a very small amount can cause an overdose. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It does have medical uses; it can help patients experiencing severe pain. For example, people experiencing pain from cancer or major surgery may be prescribed fentanyl.
However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is becoming more available. It is contributing to a drastic rise in overdoses across the United States. It is responsible for an 84% increase in synthetic opioid-involved death in 2020 (CDC).
WHAT IS IMF?
IMF is made in illegal drugs labs. It has been found in many different forms, including as a liquid, a powder, and in brightly colored pills. IMF can also be mixed into drugs. It is commonly laced into drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, pot, and methamphetamine in order to make the drugs have a stronger effect.
While some people intentionally buy IMF, it can be laced into drugs without people knowing. The person buying and the person selling the drugs may not know that the drugs contain fentanyl.
HOW IS IMF IMPACTING NATIVE COMMUNITIES?
In 2020, the number of deaths from drug overdose increased by 39% for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. This increase in overdose deaths was largely caused by IMF. It was present in around 40% of all fatal overdoses in 2020.
WHY IS IMF SO DANGEROUS?
Overdoses are caused by a tiny amount of fentanyl/IMF. Two milligrams, which is about the size of 5 grains of salt, can cause an overdose.
Also, drugs are often laced with IMF early in the supply chain. IMF is tasteless, odorless, and too small to see, so a streetlevel dealer or friend may not know that there is IMF in the drugs they are selling. Finally, even if someone knew there was IMF laced into the drugs, only lab testing could tell them if it is a deadly dose.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Everyone should carry Narcan (naloxone). Narcan can reverse an overdose from opioids, including IMF. It can save someone’s life. Because of Good Samaritan Laws, you will not be arrested if you call 911 & give Narcan (naloxone) when someone is overdosing.
ONE PILL CAN KILL
SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE:
Breathing is slow & shallow
Unresponsive
Tiny pupils
Slow heart rate, low blood pressure
Gurgling and/or snoring
Skin is cold and/or clammy
Cannot wake up
Bluish lips or fingers
IF YOU USE STREET DRUGS:
Go low & slow. You can always take more later
Do not use alone. Make sure someone is nearby with Narcan (naloxone)
Test your drugs for fentanyl, but be aware that fentanyl may not be distributed evenly throughout the drug.
RESOURCES
CDC
SPTHB Signs of Overdose Fact Sheet
SPTHB RESOURCES ON OPIOID USE:
To schedule a free Narcan (naloxone) training, order free Narcan, order free drug testing kits, find access to the closest clinics, and for peer recovery information, contact info@spthb.org
