Overdose

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is being mixed into substances like cocaine, heroin, counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs without warning.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is nearly undetectable. About 2mg of fentanyl is a lethal dose in most people (DEA, 2018)

Fentanyl was involved in an average of 84% of the 1,378 overdose deaths in CT in 2020.  Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse a fentanyl or opioid related overdose by temporarily restoring your ability to breathe.

FENTANYL MYTHS

Myth: Touching any amount of fentanyl is likely to cause injury, overdose or death

Fact: You CANNOT overdose by touching or being near powdered Fentanyl. Fentanyl must be introduced to the blood stream, mucus membranes or ingested to feel the effects. Regardless, be cautious, wear gloves, call 9-1-1 for assistance.

Incidental skin contact with fentanyl can be washed off with soap or water. Don’t use hand sanitizer as it can increase the absorption.

FENTANYL TESTING

Fentanyl test strips are available to test your product prior to use, however, the strips do not tell you how much fentanyl is present. Because of this, assume your drug supply contains fentanyl and use in small amounts. Fentanyl test strips are highly recommended especially for non-opioid drug users who do not have an existing opioid tolerance. 

A video describing how fentanyl test strips work can be found here

Click here for instructions on the BTNX Test Strips 

Click here for instructions on the DrugSure Test Strips 

Opioid Safety Tips:

• Don’t Mix Drugs: especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol – they all slow your ability to breath.
• Don’t use alone– use with friends, let people know when you’re using, always have a cellphone with you. 
• Be aware of your tolerance: Regular use builds tolerance, change in your weight, or recent abstinence can affect that. If you relapse, returning to use the same amount as you did before will increase your risk for overdose. 
• Quality/Strength: Drug quality/strength can be unpredictable, most street drugs contain fentanyl – use with caution. 
• Don’t share or reuse needles: The New Haven Syringe Exchange is located at 270 Congress Avenue, New Haven. Call 203-996-0162 for more information. 
• CARRY NARCAN! Spread the word on its benefits and encourage friends and family to carry it too!