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Fentanyl clumps together, so it's not evenly distributed in a batch of drugs. If you have four non-prescription pills, one can be fatal even if the others aren't.
Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in the form of a white, gray or tan powder and can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, marijuana and pressed pills.
By using symbols instead of words in texts or emails, people can try to conceal details of their conversations from general surveillance or get around filters that look for certain keywords. They also may be able to hide their conversations from parents and others who might recognize words like cocaine or marijuana but may not fully understand the context of seeing a diamond or a snowflake.
Overdose rates in Lehigh Valley have been consistently 40%–70% over the national average according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Drug Overdose Deaths.
Naloxone is a lifesaving drug that counteracts the effects of opioids in the body in the event of an overdose. Available as an injectable called Evzio or as a nasal spray called NARCAN, NARCAN can be purchased over the counter without a prescription from major pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. It’s very important to call 911 immediately after administering NARCAN because it only lasts 30 to 90 minutes.
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. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids.
How does it affect the body? Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces effects such as: relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell. There is nothing you can see, smell or taste making fentanyl that much harder to detect.
Yes. NARCAN is a medication which can reverse a fentanyl overdose. It’s important to note that because of the strength of fentanyl, multiple doses of NARCAN may be necessary. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
Fentanyl is much cheaper to make than other opioids. It is also easier to smuggle because small amounts are very powerful. It is a lot easier to smuggle in a baggie of Fentanyl powder than kilogram bricks of other drugs for the same profit margin. It is highly addictive, making individuals need more to chase their first high.
Talk with your kids about Fentanyl. Address any underlying concerns that may lead to your child to take Fentanyl intentionally or unintentionally. Be aware of what your child is doing on their phone. Non-prescription pills and other drugs are now often purchased online or through social media.
Pronounced ‘zy-la-zeen’ and known on the street as “tranq dope,” the mix of fentanyl and an animal sedative is deepening addiction, baffling law enforcement and causing wounds so severe that some result in amputation.
Anyone can save a life. Be prepared to act in the event of a fentanyl overdose or poising.