Fentanyl
Rural Response Network
What is Fentanyl?
For Locations of Free Fentanyl Test Strips Click Here
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.—and in Lorain County. In fact, fentanyl was present in 4 out of 5 overdose fatalities in Lorain County in 2022.
There are two types of fentanyl: Pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets.
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription pills like Percocet or Xanax. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.
In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
How is it used/consumed?
Fentanyl, like other opioids, can be snorted/sniffed, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, or spiked onto blotter paper or patches. It can sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances.
You cannot overdose simply by touching powdered fentanyl. This is a common myth, but fentanyl must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane for someone to feel the effects. Transdermal fentanyl patches exist & are used primarily in medical settings. They are specially formulated to be absorbed by the skin.
How Does Fentanyl Affect the Brain/Body?
Fentanyl’s effects include:
- extreme happiness/euphoria
- drowsiness
- nausea/vomiting
- urinary retention
- pupil constriction
- confusion
- constipation
- pain relief
- sedation
- problems breathing
- unconsciousness
Testing Drugs for Fentanyl
Fentanyl test strips are a tool that allows people to test
drugs they plan to use for fentanyl. They can:
– Tell someone if their drugs contain fentanyl (but
not how much fentanyl there is or how strong it is)
– Help reduce risk of drug-related harm, including
overdose
– Help people make informed decisions about using drugs, such as to not use them, use less or use them with someone who has naloxone (or Narcan)
Why should I test my drugs for fentanyl?
- Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that increases risk of overdose
- Fentanyl is commonly found in heroin. It is also present in cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, ketamine, and pills from nonmedical sources
- Fentanyl cannot be detected by sight, taste, smell or touch
- Don’t rely on a previous source or experience. Knowing where your drugs come from doesn’t mean they’re safe. And even if you have used drugs before, your body could react differently every time.
What if my drugs test positive for fentanyl?
You can dispose of the substances safely through use of a medication deactivation/disposal pouch or taking them anonymously to a drop-off box at your local police department. Drugs containing opioids can also be flushed down the toilet according to the FDA. If you use the drug, follow the tips below to reduce your overdose risk.
REDUCING OVERDOSE RISK
- Use slow/less. A little goes a long way and overdoses can occur quickly, sometimes before you’ve finished injecting the dose.
- Try snorting or smoking instead of injecting. Injecting carries the highest risk for overdose, so shifting to snorting or smoking may help reduce risk.
- Space out doses. Fentanyl acts fast, but it’s depending on the dose and your tolerance, it may not
hit you as fast as you expect. - Don’t use alone. If you choose to, have someone check on you in case help is needed.
- Don’t mix drugs. Interactions can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- In a group? Stagger your use. Make sure someone is always alert.
- Test it. Knowing what’s in your drugs can help you decide how much/how best to use. Test strips tell you IF fentanyl is present, not how much or how evenly it is mixed.
- Always carry Narcan/naloxone. Be familiar with the signs of an overdose and be prepared to respond, no matter what drug you’re using.
Check out these Resources and Links:
How to Test your Drugs Using Fentanyl Test Strips
National Harm Reduction Coalition – Fentanyl Resources
Preventing an Opioid Overdose
DEA – One Pill Can Kill
OPCK Drug Emoji Decoder
Counterfeit Pills Fact Sheet
Never Use Alone
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