By Kristen Lonigan, Director of Admissions and Business Development
As Halloween approaches, there’s a much scarier reality lurking beyond the costumes and decorations—fentanyl. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has become a growing threat across the U.S., with its potency and lethal effects continuing to take lives at alarming rates. At The Next Door Recovery, we remain committed to helping women recover from substance use disorders, and we want to shed light on the terrifying facts surrounding this deadly drug.
1. Fentanyl is 50-100 Times Stronger Than Morphine
One of the most alarming facts about fentanyl is its potency. According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and about 50 times stronger than heroin. This high potency significantly increases the risk of overdose, especially for those unaware that they are consuming fentanyl.
2. Fentanyl is Being Mixed with Other Drugs
What’s even scarier is that fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs, like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills, without the user’s knowledge. The DEA warns that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl—an amount small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil—can be lethal. This mixing of fentanyl into other drugs is driving up overdose deaths as people unknowingly ingest deadly amounts.
3. Fentanyl is the Leading Cause of Drug Overdose Deaths
In 2023, fentanyl was responsible for over two-thirds of opioid overdose deaths, contributing to the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), synthetic opioids like fentanyl accounted for nearly 70,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Tragically, many of these deaths involve people who were unaware that fentanyl was present in the drugs they consumed.
4. Fentanyl Overdoses Are Increasing Among Teenagers
Teenagers and young adults are increasingly becoming victims of fentanyl-laced pills. The NIDA reports a surge in overdose deaths among teens, primarily attributed to fentanyl in counterfeit prescription pills like Xanax and Percocet. Young people often experiment with these substances, unaware of the hidden dangers.
5. Naloxone Can Reverse a Fentanyl Overdose—but Not Always
Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, can be effective in treating fentanyl overdoses. Still, due to fentanyl’s potency, multiple doses of naloxone may be required. While naloxone availability has saved countless lives, the rise of fentanyl challenges even these interventions.
How You Can Help
The danger of fentanyl poisoning is real. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, The Next Door Recovery is here to help. We provide compassionate care to women battling this disease and are dedicated to raising awareness about the risks associated with fentanyl. Reach out today to learn how to protect yourself and others from this deadly drug.