Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful and dangerous synthetic opioid. It is a controlled substance that is medically prescribed for severe pain, especially after surgery or for advanced-stage cancer. However, most of the fentanyl responsible for the current overdose crisis is illegally manufactured and distributed.

Here is a general overview of the substance:

What It Is and How It Works in the Body

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than other opioids. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin.

Like other opioids, fentanyl works by binding to the brain's opioid receptors, producing feelings of euphoria and pain relief. However, its extreme potency means that it takes a very small amount to have a profound effect on the central nervous system, which controls vital functions like breathing. This is what makes it so incredibly dangerous.

Appearance and Methods of Administration

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is available as a shot, a patch placed on the skin, or lozenges. Illegally manufactured fentanyl can come in various forms, making its presence difficult to detect:

Powder: It is often a white or off-white powder.
Counterfeit Pills: It is frequently pressed into pills that are made to look like other prescription drugs like oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall.
Mixed with Other Drugs: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, often without the user's knowledge.

Signs of Use

Signs that someone may be under the influence of fentanyl are similar to other opioid use, but can be more extreme:

Physical: Extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed or weak breathing, constricted "pinpoint" pupils, and clammy skin.
Behavioral: A state of "nodding off," or being in and out of consciousness.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The dangers of fentanyl are exceptionally high, particularly due to the risk of accidental overdose:

High Risk of Fatal Overdose: Because of its extreme potency, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl (the size of a few grains of salt) can be a lethal dose. An overdose causes breathing to slow or stop entirely, leading to death.
Unpredictable Purity: Illegally manufactured fentanyl has no quality control, so its potency can vary dramatically from one dose to the next, making it impossible for a user to know how much they are taking.
Accidental Consumption: The fact that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs means that people may be taking a lethal dose without even knowing it.
Addiction: Fentanyl is extremely addictive, and dependence can develop very quickly, even with short-term use.
Legal Status: Like other opioids, the illegal possession, use, and distribution of fentanyl are subject to severe legal penalties.

Due to the extreme danger of this substance, it is critically important to seek professional help immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use.

Fentanyl

Here is a general overview of the substance:

What It Is and How It Works in the Body

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than other opioids. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin.

Appearance and Methods of Administration

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is available as a shot, a patch placed on the skin, or lozenges. Illegally manufactured fentanyl can come in various forms, making its presence difficult to detect:

Powder: It is often a white or off-white powder.

Counterfeit Pills: It is frequently pressed into pills that are made to look like other prescription drugs like oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall.

Mixed with Other Drugs: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, often without the user's knowledge.

Signs of Use

Signs that someone may be under the influence of fentanyl are similar to other opioid use, but can be more extreme:

Physical: Extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed or weak breathing, constricted "pinpoint" pupils, and clammy skin.

Behavioral: A state of "nodding off," or being in and out of consciousness.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The dangers of fentanyl are exceptionally high, particularly due to the risk of accidental overdose:

High Risk of Fatal Overdose: Because of its extreme potency, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl (the size of a few grains of salt) can be a lethal dose. An overdose causes breathing to slow or stop entirely, leading to death.

Unpredictable Purity: Illegally manufactured fentanyl has no quality control, so its potency can vary dramatically from one dose to the next, making it impossible for a user to know how much they are taking.

Accidental Consumption: The fact that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs means that people may be taking a lethal dose without even knowing it.

Addiction: Fentanyl is extremely addictive, and dependence can develop very quickly, even with short-term use.

Legal Status: Like other opioids, the illegal possession, use, and distribution of fentanyl are subject to severe legal penalties.

Due to the extreme danger of this substance, it is critically important to seek professional help immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use.

Fentanyl

Here is a general overview of the substance:

What It Is and How It Works in the Body

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than other opioids. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin.

Appearance and Methods of Administration

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is available as a shot, a patch placed on the skin, or lozenges. Illegally manufactured fentanyl can come in various forms, making its presence difficult to detect:

Powder: It is often a white or off-white powder.

Counterfeit Pills: It is frequently pressed into pills that are made to look like other prescription drugs like oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall.

Mixed with Other Drugs: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, often without the user's knowledge.

Signs of Use

Signs that someone may be under the influence of fentanyl are similar to other opioid use, but can be more extreme:

Physical: Extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed or weak breathing, constricted "pinpoint" pupils, and clammy skin.

Behavioral: A state of "nodding off," or being in and out of consciousness.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The dangers of fentanyl are exceptionally high, particularly due to the risk of accidental overdose:

High Risk of Fatal Overdose: Because of its extreme potency, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl (the size of a few grains of salt) can be a lethal dose. An overdose causes breathing to slow or stop entirely, leading to death.

Unpredictable Purity: Illegally manufactured fentanyl has no quality control, so its potency can vary dramatically from one dose to the next, making it impossible for a user to know how much they are taking.

Accidental Consumption: The fact that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs means that people may be taking a lethal dose without even knowing it.

Addiction: Fentanyl is extremely addictive, and dependence can develop very quickly, even with short-term use.

Legal Status: Like other opioids, the illegal possession, use, and distribution of fentanyl are subject to severe legal penalties.

Due to the extreme danger of this substance, it is critically important to seek professional help immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use.

Heroin

Benzodiazepines