Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse. Fentanyl is added to heroin, marijuana, meth, cocaine to increase its potency, or be disguised as highly potent drugs. Many users believe that they are purchasing one of the above drugs and actually don’t know that they are purchasing fentanyl – which often results in poisoning deaths. Clandestinely-produced fentanyl is primarily manufactured in Mexico and China.

It is also being put into any street (pharmaceutical)drug, Adderal, Xanax, Oxycontin and others and sold by dealers, usually resulting in death.

Signs of 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)

• Illegally made fentanyl* dominates the street drug supply, causing record numbers of drug deaths in America.
   

• Drug users are frequently unaware that their drug contains fentanyl, an opioid 50X stronger that heroin.
   

• Street drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and meth often contain fentanyl, without the user's knowledge.
   

• Fentanyl is used to press fake prescription pills, sold deceptively as Xanax, Percocet, Oxycodone & more.
   

• Fentanyl is involved in 79% of Gen Z drugs deaths, higher than any other age group

 SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral   and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental         and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-6624357