Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. In fact, it’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just a tiny granule could be fatal.
Because fentanyl is cheap, it is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Even if it is not purposely cut with other drugs, the residue left on surfaces and equipment may accidentally contaminate the supply. It is odourless and tasteless, so it’s impossible to know exactly what you’re buying on the streets.1
This lethal substance started to appear in street drugs in 2016 and, not surprisingly, overdose deaths have dramatically increased since then. In 2024, 74% of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl – an increase of 42% since 2016. 2
“It’s these tragedies that drive Teen Challenge to stand alongside other non-profits, ministries, and government agencies in the fight against addiction.
Glen Smeltzer, CEO, Teen Challenge Canada
why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl is more potent and acts faster than other drugs which is what makes is so lethal. It attaches itself to the body’s opioid receptors which control pain and emotions. Fentanyl eases anxiety, blocks pain and can cause a short-term feeling of euphoria or extreme happiness through a surge of dopamine.
Fentanyl also slows breathing, which can leave the person unconscious. Without help, they can die. This can happen within a few minutes which is why fentanyl is so dangerous.
In addition to the risk of accidental overdose, the long-term effects of fentanyl can have devastating consequences.
Since fentanyl blocks pain, when someone is regularly using it their body stops making natural painkillers. When the drug is absent, suddenly the person experiences intense discomfort – sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness.
Receptor overload makes it harder to feel joy from everyday things like music, friends or chocolate. In fact, this physical and emotional suffering can create a cycle of using the drug not to get a high, but just to feel normal. Other long-term effects include:
- Memory problems
- Mood issues
- Respiratory depression
- Heart & liver damage
- Digestive issues
signs of fentanyl overdose and what to do
Knowing the signs of a fentanyl overdose may help you save someone’s life – maybe even someone you love. Watch for these telltale signs:
- Very sleepy or lose consciousness
- Very small pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Gurgling noises
- Blue or purple lips and nails
- Limp body
- Slow or weak pulse
If you suspect a fentanyl overdose, call 911 and stay with them until the paramedics arrive. Give naloxone if you have it and try to keep the person awake. Turning them onto their side can help them breathe and prevent choking.
Naloxone can reverse an overdose within a few minutes by attaching to the opioid receptors and blocking other opioids. It can quickly restore breathing, but it is only a temporary solution. Once the naloxone wears off, the individual is still at risk of overdosing again from the drugs already in their body. So, even if naloxone is given, they should be monitored by medical professionals for several hours.
While naloxone can save someone’s life, it has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. This should give confidence to those who are afraid of hurting the person or causing further distress.
Families with a loved one that struggles with an opioid addiction should take the time to learn about naloxone, how to administer it, and keep it close by. It is available without a prescription in Canada, so chatting with your local pharmacist can help prepare you in case you ever need to use it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid addiction, there is hope.