Welcome to our website dedicated to raising awareness, education and prevention about the dangers of illicit fentanyl.
As you explore our website, you’ll find resources, stories, and information to empower you in this fight. Together, we can raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and support those affected by this epidemic. Join us in making a difference—one step at a time.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER in our battle against illicit opioids.
Rainbow Fentanyl - click on the image to learn more.
To learn more on the ONE PILL CAN KILL campaign, click on the image below.
What is fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While it is prescribed for severe pain management, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a leading cause of overdose deaths. Even a small amount can be lethal, making awareness and prevention efforts critical in combating the opioid crisis.
Facts about fentanyl - click on the image to learn more.
Why is Illicit Fentanyl Dangerous?
Extreme Potency: Even a tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose.
Unpredictable Presence: It is often mixed with other substances without the user's knowledge.
Rapid Onset of Overdose: Fentanyl can cause respiratory depression and death within minutes.
Counterfeit Pills: Fake pills laced with fentanyl are made to look like prescription medications, making them indistinguishable without testing.
Counterfeit Pills
As you can see the images, the counterfeit pills may look more realistic than the authentic ones. Watch the video, “Unmasking Fake Pills”, to learn more on counterfeit pills. The video and images below are from DEA.gov.
Extreme Potency
Only 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. The image below shows 2 milligrams of fentanyl on the point of a pencil.
The Danger of Fentanyl in Illicit Drugs
The unpredictable presence of fentanyl in illicit drugs has become a critical public health issue. This synthetic opioid, known for its extreme potency, is often mixed with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, frequently without the user's knowledge. Such undisclosed combinations drastically increase the risk of unintentional overdoses.
Research underscores the severity of this issue. For example, a study conducted in British Columbia revealed that unexpected opioids, including fentanyl, were detected in approximately 2% of tested drug samples, even at trace levels. Additionally, there has been a growing concern over fentanyl being combined with xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer. This combination introduces unique and heightened risks, compounding the dangers already posed by fentanyl.
To combat these challenges, harm reduction efforts like fentanyl test strips and public health interventions are becoming increasingly vital. These tools can help individuals identify the presence of fentanyl in substances and take steps to reduce the risk of overdose.
Know the signs of an opioid overdose because it can save a life.
Pinpoint pupils: The pupils may become very small and constricted.
Breathing issues: Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing is a critical sign.
Unresponsiveness: The person may be unconscious or have a decreased level of consciousness.
Skin changes: Skin may appear pale, clammy, or have a bluish or purplish tint, especially around the lips and fingernails.
Limp body: The person may seem unusually limp or weak.
Unusual sounds: Gurgling or choking noises might occur.
Slow or undetectable pulse: The heart rate may slow down significantly or stop.
Just as important as knowing the signs of an overdose, having Naloxone on hand can help save a life.
Click on the image of to go to the Narcan website to find out more about Narcan.
