Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has quickly grown in popularity due to its potency. According to the CDC, fentanyl can be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Though initially made to help patients with pain management, its extreme potency has made it popular in illegal drug markets and has led to a dangerous crisis in America.
The opioid epidemic in Minnesota has been especially devastating, largely impacting the Black and brown communities of Hennepin County. Though the U.S. has seen a 4% drop in opioid-related deaths from 2022 to 2023, and Minnesota has seen an 8% drop, Hennepin County has only seen a 1% drop. Meanwhile, opioid-related deaths in the African American community increased by 14% from 2022 to 2023. In the Hispanic community, opioid-related deaths increased by 56% from 23 deaths in 2022 to 36 deaths in 2023. Hennepin County residents are concerned, sparking an effort to expand community resources and support services and tackle the crisis head-on.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid initially intended for doctors to use to help treat severe pain after surgeries and for advanced-stage cancer patients. However, it is also made illegally and sold recreationally. Often, it’s mixed with other illegal drugs, like heroin and cocaine, without the user’s knowledge, which increases the risk of accidental overdose.
Opioids also cause feelings of euphoria, which is part of what makes them so addicting. They can cause issues with breathing and, at higher dosages, can even slow a person’s heart rate.
With fentanyl, even small increases in dosage can cause a large effect on the body. Many overdose victims are found to have inhaled or injected an amount they thought would be safe, only to be hit with extreme potency.
Several factors make fentanyl a uniquely dangerous drug:
It’s highly potent. According to the DEA, even just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. This makes it unpredictable and increases the risk of overdose.
It’s hard to detect. Not only is it extremely powerful in a low dosage, but it’s often mixed in with other illegal street drugs to increase their potency. Since it’s odorless and tasteless, it’s challenging to detect. These have made fentanyl the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths in recent years, including many cases where the victim was unaware they had taken opioids.
One tragic characteristic of fentanyl overdoses is how quickly they occur. Many users don’t realize they’re experiencing an overdose in time to seek help, and bystanders may not see the signs early enough to intervene. If you’re concerned, here are some steps you can take:
Recognize the signs of an overdose. Common symptoms of an overdose include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, blue lips, and clammy skin. If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
Carry Narcan. Narcan was explicitly created to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It’s easy to use, meaning no specialized training is needed, and can start working within minutes. After giving Narcan to someone, please make sure you call 911, as it’s not a replacement for medical care.
Seek out local support services. For those who may be experiencing an opioid addiction or are concerned for loved ones, support is available. Hennepin County offers resources designed to help you navigate the challenges of addiction, including treatment and recovery programs, harm reduction services, and more.
Fentanyl has a deadly grip on communities nationwide, contributing to nearly 70% of overdose deaths. With education and accessible community resources, it may be possible to reduce these tragic losses. Understanding the dangers that come with fentanyl use, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and using your community’s support services are all essential to building a safer community. If you or someone you know is experiencing an opioid addiction, you are not alone. For more information about these resources, visit Hennepin County’s website or reach out to local health care services.
