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What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Fentanyl and its analogs are part of a group of drugs known as synthetic opioids. Its chemical structure is designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring opiates such as morphine and heroin, and it binds to the body's opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions.

Why is it an Issue?

Fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs by dealers to stretch their supply, therefore making many people unaware that they are ingesting the drug at all. The lethal amount of fentanyl to a human is around 2mg, although many fake pills can contain around 5mg. This leads to many overdoses and deaths.

How does this affect our community?

According to the Los Angeles Government, 218 people age 25 and under passed away from overdoses on fentanyl in LA county in 2022. This has profound social costs, including the impact on families and communities who lose loved ones to overdose.

What are solutions?

While the best solution is not using at all, we know for many this is not a reality. The best solution is to use responsibly. The first way to use responsibly is to test for fentanyl using strips. The next way is to have Narcan on hand at all times. The final way to use responsibly is to never use alone. (Link for acquiring Narcan and test strips will be at the bottom of the page)

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