Fentanyl

How Dangerous is Fentanyl?

• Fentanyl is similar to morphine but 50-100 times more potent
• A small amount can cause an overdose
• In Shasta County, illicit fentanyl is causing an increase in overdose deaths

Where is Fentanyl Found?

• Fentanyl comes in many forms:
  • White or colored powder or pills
  • Fake pills made to look like prescription pills (e.g., fake Oxycontin, Xanax or Vicodin)
  • Laced in other drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA

Talk to Your Kids about the Dangers of Fentanyl

• It’s never too early to talk to your kids about drug use, especially the dangers of fentanyl.
• Tell your kids that all drugs, including pills, are potentially dangerous and may contain fentanyl.
• For more information on talking to your kids visit https://songforcharlie.org/the-new-drug-talk/

Safe Medication Practices

• All pain medications and opioids in the home should be securely stored away from youth to avoid potential misuse. Keep medications locked up, out of reach, and sight.
• For safe medication disposal locations, go to www.RxSafeShasta.com.

Responding to Fentanyl Overdose

• Naloxone, often known as Narcan, may be able to reverse fentanyl overdoses
• Fentanyl overdoses often also require treatment in the hospital because they can last longer than naloxone.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone.

Dealing with Addiction?

• Treatment options are available and recovery happens!
• For more information on treatment and recovery visit the following:
  • https://www.shastacounty.gov/health-human-services/page/substance-use-treatment
  • https://womensconnectshasta.com/

More Resources on Fentanyl:

• Shasta County Fentanyl Story Map: Learn more about the rising fentanyl problem and how it’s affecting Shasta County
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Fentanyl: Find out more about what the CDPH is doing to address the growing fentanyl problem here in California.
• DEA: One Pill Can Kill: Learn more on the dangers of counterfeit pills and get access to resources for parents, teachers and educators
• CDC: Stop Overdose: Learn how to spot the signs of an opioid overdose and the lifesaving power of naloxone
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Fentanyl Drug Facts: Get the facts on fentanyl and how it can lead to addiction
• Ad Council: Drop the F*Bomb - Fentanyl: Learn how to talk to your kids about fentanyl and share the facts