Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Many individuals consume fentanyl without their knowledge (because they don’t realize that it is in the drugs they’re using), while others are intentionally using fentanyl because of its potency, effectiveness for pain management, or because they enjoy it.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids entering the street drug supply has resulted in a dramatic increase in overdoses and deaths in the US, California and in Nevada County (see images below). In 2024, fentanyl was present in 87% of opioid overdose deaths in California.
Locally, fentanyl has been found in methamphetamine, counterfeit pills (Percocet, Xanax, others), cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy or molly), among others. If the drugs you are using were not given to you directly by a pharmacy, they could contain fentanyl.
Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction strategies are important tools in reducing the risk of overdose and death.