Fentanyl is a powerful opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It is a major contributor to accidental drug overdose deaths in Texas. Play the video to watch Becky Stewart share her story about the death of her 19-year-old son, Cameron, from fentanyl poisoning.
Fentanyl is safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl is often added to counterfeit (fake) pills and other substances with or without a person's knowledge, including:
Counterfeit (fake) pills made to look like pills that come from a pharmacy, such as:
Other illegal substances, such as:
The overdose crisis is harming Texas youth at an especially alarming rate. Teenagers and young adults can buy illegal substances and counterfeit pills through social media—and many may be mixed with potentially fatal doses of fentanyl.
Even small amounts of fentanyl, equivalent to a few grains of sand, can be deadly. That means that any pill could be the one that causes an overdose. Remember, one pill kills.
Accidental fentanyl overdoses are life threatening, but preventable. Here are some ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from a fentanyl overdose.
Make sure your child understands the risks of fentanyl and how even one pill can result in accidental overdose. If you're concerned about a loved one who uses substances, have a calm, direct conversation and listen without judgment. Work together to make a plan to stay safe.
If it didn't come from your doctor or pharmacist, you can't be sure that it's safe.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death—for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription. Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, so it's always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.
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