What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally developed for severe pain management in clinical settings. Today, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) has infiltrated the street drug supply at alarming rates. It is found in counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and pressed tablets designed to look like legitimate prescription medications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids — primarily fentanyl — are responsible for over 70,000 overdose deaths annually in the United States.

Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous

• Potency: A dose that would be survivable with heroin or prescription opioids can be instantly lethal with fentanyl
• Invisibility: Fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in other substances
• Inconsistent mixing: Street drugs containing fentanyl are not uniformly mixed, creating “hot spots” in a single batch
• Rapid onset: Overdose can occur within minutes, leaving almost no time to seek help

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are inexpensive, easy-to-use tools that detect the presence of fentanyl in any substance. They cost approximately $1-2 each and provide results in minutes. Many harm reduction programs distribute them for free.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) now supports the use of fentanyl test strips as a legitimate harm reduction tool.

What to Do If Someone Overdoses

• Call 911 — tell them it may be an opioid overdose
• Administer Narcan (nasal spray or injection) if available
• Place the person on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking
• Stay with them until help arrives
• A second dose of Narcan may be needed — fentanyl overdoses often require multiple doses

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, treatment is available. Use Red Door Recovery Network to find providers near you. Recovery starts with one step — and that step does not have to be perfect.