Frequently Asked Questions

What it fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50 time more potent than heroin and 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

What is a lethal dose of fentanyl?

A lethal dose of fentanyl is 2 milligrams.  This amount fits on the tip of a pencil.

Why are fentanyl deaths called poisoning and not overdose?

Most people that die by ingesting fentanyl are not aware they are taking it, they intend to take another drug like a prescription pill, cocaine or heroin.  Drug traffickers are deceptively putting fentanyl in all street drugs, the victim was unaware, and the fentanyl in the drug was so potent it killed them.

Why are so many young people dying from fentanyl poisoning?

Drug traffickers are going straight to fentanyl to make illicit drugs as it’s cheap, easy to make (it’s synthetic and made in a lab), and can get it year-round.  They are no longer waiting for crops to grow for cocaine or heroin.  Fentanyl can be supplied to drug traffickers on a consistent basis and they are making huge profits.  They do not have quality control and do not know how to properly dose fentanyl.  Every batch of fake prescription pills is not consistent and 70% of fake pills made are deadly.

How are teens and young adults getting fake prescription pills?

Drug traffickers and dealers are preying on teens and young adults by selling on social media platforms like Snapchat and online.  Some are getting from a friend, and that friend is getting on social media or online.

ONLY get your prescription medication from a licensed doctor or legitimate pharmacist.  DO NOT get any prescription medications from a friend.

How deadly are these fake prescription pills that drug traffickers and dealers are deceptively selling?

The DEA has tested seized fake prescription pills and 7 out of 10, or 70%, are a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Why are drug traffickers and dealers selling fentanyl if it’s so potent and taking lives?

Fentanyl is cheap to purchase for drug traffickers and they are making huge profits.  They don’t care about the lives they are taking.  Fentanyl is highly addictive as well, so they are trying to keep their customers coming back.

What is the chocolate chip cookie effect?

Fentanyl clumps together when mixed with a filler. Think of a fake prescription pill like a chocolate chip cookie.  The chocolate chips are not distributed evenly throughout the cookie, like fentanyl is in a fake pill.  There are some parts of the pill that contain filler, and parts that contain fentanyl.  You just don’t know where it is in the pill.  Don’t take the chance.

What is Narcan (naloxone)?

Naloxone, or Narcan (brand name) is an FDA approved drug that reverses an opioid overdose.  Narcan comes is a nasal spray of 4 mg, and there are two doses to a pack.  All major pharmacy chains carry Narcan. Click here to learn where to get Narcan and how to administer it.

What are fentanyl test strips?

Fentanyl test strips are easy to use paper strips that test a substance for fentanyl.   Results show up in two minutes, with one red line showing fentanyl and two lines showing no fentanyl.  Follow all instructions that come with the fentanyl test strips, and TEST THE ENTIRE SUBSTANCE.  Remember, only 2 milligrams of fentanyl is deadly.

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