Fentanyl & Overdose Preventionā
In 2021, more than 71,000 people died from synthetic opioid-related drug overdose in the United States according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recent data suggest that number continues to increase each year.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a major contributor to drug overdose deaths. Based on preliminary 2021 data, there were 6,843 opioid-related overdose deaths in California; 5,722 of these deaths were related to fentanyl. In 2021, there were 224 fentanyl-related overdose deaths among teens, ages 15ā19 years old, in California.
Recently, brightly colored fentanyl, referred to as ārainbowā fentanyl , has begun circulating in illegal markets. āRainbowā fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powders, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Regardless of appearance or color, any pill that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist could contain fentanyl and be deadly
Knowledge can save lives and stop drug overdose.
- Know the signs of an overdose:
- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupilsā
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
- Promote and use naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse a drug overdose. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, even by friends or family, when a loved one experiences an overdose event. Naloxone works almost immediately and is not addictive.
- Have regular conversations with teens, young people, and loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of mixing drugs, and the life-saving power of naloxone to reduce the stigma around seeking help, treatment, and care
Use this toolkit to share information about the risks of fentanyl and how to prevent overdose.
Additional Resources
Social Media
Use the following images and messaging on social media to raise awareness about fentanyl.
Click on each image to enlarge, then right click and "save as."
ā Suggested Messaging:
A new type of brightly colored "rainbowā fentanyl had been found in the U.S., including in California. This is a potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. Any pill, regardless of its color, shape, or size, that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can potentially contain fentanyl and be deadly. California has education and prevention resources, including a program that offers free Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdose, for qualified organizations. For more information, go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR22-148.aspx
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Suggested Messaging:
#Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Learn more about naloxone and how to save lives: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Naloxone.aspx #StopOverdose #EndOverdose #Fentanyl
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Suggested Messaging:
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Signs of an overdose may include:
- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupilsā
- Falling asleep or losing consciousness
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
Learn how to recognize an overdose event and give the life-saving medication, #naloxone: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
#StopOverdose #EndOverdose #Fentanyl
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ā Suggested Messaging:
#Fentanyl is up to 50x more potent than heroin and 100x more potent than morphine. Recently, ārainbowā fentanyl has been found in California and throughout the U.S. This potentially fatal drug is found in pills and powders in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. Know the dangers of fentanyl: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Fentanyl.aspx #StopOverdose #EndOverdose #Naloxone #Fentanyl
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ā Suggested Messaging:
Conversations can have a big impact. Talk to your teen about drugs and the risk of overdosing. Recently, ārainbowā fentanyl has been found in California and throughout the U.S. This is a potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. Tips to start conversation: - Pick a neutral time with no distractions.
- Be open and calm.
- Be prepared and focus on the conversation.
- Give teens the scientific facts and explain the reality and risks of using drugs.
- Educate teens on naloxone, including how to use it and where to get it.
- Express your love and care.
Learn more how to talk to your teens: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/opioids-facts-parents-need-to-know/starting-conversation #StopTeenOverdose #TalkTheyHearYou #OnePillCanKill #Fentanyl
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ā Suggested Messaging:
Empower yourself and your teen with knowledge of how to stop drug overdoses and save lives. Talk with your teen about: - The dangers of fentanyl
- The risks of mixing drugs
- How naloxone can save lives
- Reducing stigma around seeking help
Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose #StopTeenOverdose #TalkTheyHearYou #OnePillCanKill #Fentanyl
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ā Suggested Messaging: Does your teenager know the risks of opioid use? Some opioids like fentanyl are tasteless and odorless - even small amounts can cause an overdose. Recently, ārainbowā fentanyl has been found in the U.S., including California. ANY pill bought through social media or even from a friend can contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. Start the conversation and #StopTeenOverdose #fentanyl Learn more about fentanyl: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Fentanyl.aspx
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