Fentanyl is a dangerous medication that has rapidly created distress in multiple communities across the nation due to its high risk for addiction, dependence, and overdose rates.

The availability for fentanyl is prescription needed and is classified as an opioid in the drug class. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is received through unauthorized drug markets.

Jessica Hwang from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says that fentanyl should only be trusted by a doctor or pharmacist. It can be difficult to identify the difference between counterfeit and authentic pills.

Unfortunately, when mixed with other illegal substances, fentanyl is not identifiable by taste or smell.  Hwang stated via email, “Addiction to fentanyl can look like any other addiction—it can start by experimentation then lead to dependence over time.” The dependence can come from excessive and routine use.

Per the CDPH, from 2020-2022, drug overdose is one of the main causes of death for 15–44-year-olds in the state. The opioid related overdoses in 2022 resulted in over 7,000 and 87% were linked to fentanyl.

A lifesaving tool that is accessible for anyone to keep around is Naloxone, better known as Narcan. It is a non-addictive medication used as a nasal spray to reverse the overdose. The naloxone cannot be used on yourself.

Some signs of a fentanyl overdose as provided by the CDPH are that the body becomes limp, loses consciousness, or falls asleep. Skin can be discolored, cold and/or clammy. Breathing becomes slow, weak, or nonexistent and there can be choking or gurgling sounds. The pupils can be “pinpoint pupils” due to them getting small and not responding when there are light changes. It is advised that naloxone be used immediately when the overdose is recognized.

Some long-term effects of fentanyl are liver damage, substance use disorder or dependence, increased tolerance, worsening pain (known as “opioid-induced hyperalgesia”), and a fatal overdose. The CDPH also included that women can become infertile and mothers who take opioids can expose babies to life threatening withdrawal symptoms.

For effective treatment options and more resources on addiction, the CDPH recommends visiting Opioids.ca.gov – treatment resources.