Over the past several years, our nation has seen a dramatic increase in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, specifically fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Its legitimate medical use is as a prescription drug typically used to treat pain. Unfortunately, organized drug cartels based in Mexico are manufacturing and smuggling fentanyl into the U.S., furthering an already sizable opioid abuse problem.
Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose. In 2022, 49% of overdose deaths in Idaho involved fentanyl. From 2020 to 2022, the rate of fentanyl-related overdose deaths tripled in Idaho.
Signs of opioid overdose
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
- 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)
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose CALL 911
It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an opioid overdose. If you are unsure, treat it like an overdose and act right away. You could save a life.
- Try to wake the person up
- Call 911
- Administer naloxone, if available
- Check pulse and breathing
- Begin rescue breathing or follow dispatcher instructions
- Re-administer naloxone, if needed
- 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
Dangers of Fentanyl
Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
- It’s unusually strong and cheap compared to other drugs.
- Fentanyl’s strength can vary widely from batch to batch, making it hard to know how much someone is taking.
- It’s often hidden in or disguised as other substances and sold to people without their knowledge.
Legal and illegal fentanyl comes in many forms including: Lollipops and lozenges, transdermal patches, oral drops nasal spray, powder, injectable liquid, pills and capsules.
Fentanyl and products containing fentanyl have many street names including: little things, blues (bluebirds, blueberry pie, etc.), skittles, rainbows, shocktarts, M30, mexi’s, feny’s, cake (birthday cake, funnel cake, etc.), T&T, Tango & Cash, and many others.
Criminal drug networks are mass producing fake prescription pills made to look like valid prescription drugs such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Xanax®, and Adderall®. Many of these fake medications contain fentanyl and can be deadly. DEA Laboratory Testing Reveals that six out of ten Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Now Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl.
