Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs affecting our communities today. Originally developed as a powerful prescription opioid to treat severe pain, fentanyl is approximately 100 times stronger than morphine. While it has legitimate medical uses under the supervision of healthcare professionals, illegally manufactured fentanyl has become the leading driver of overdose deaths across the United States.
Drug traffickers frequently mix fentanyl with other illegal drugs—including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit prescription pills—often without the user's knowledge. Because fentanyl is colorless, odorless, and extremely potent, there is no way to determine whether a pill, powder, or other substance contains fentanyl simply by looking at it.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on an individual's size, tolerance, and health. Counterfeit pills are made to resemble legitimate prescription medications, making them especially dangerous. Many people who overdose never intended to take fentanyl at all.
The safest way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to never take prescription medication that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a licensed pharmacy. Avoid purchasing pills from social media, friends, or other unauthorized sources, as there is no reliable way to verify what they contain without laboratory testing.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Never take medication that was not prescribed specifically for you.
- Only use prescriptions obtained from licensed pharmacies.
- Be aware that counterfeit pills can look identical to legitimate medications.
- Talk to your children and teens about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs.
- Learn the signs of an opioid overdose and how naloxone (Narcan) can save a life.
Together, through education, awareness, and prevention, we can help reduce the devastating impact of fentanyl in our community.
Helpful Resources
Visit the links below to learn more about fentanyl, overdose prevention, and available resources from the Drug Enforcement Administration and other trusted organizations.