Substance guides
What is fentanyl? Why it is the deadliest drug in America
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Originally developed for surgical anesthesia and severe cancer pain, illicitly manufactured fentanyl now kills more than 70,000 Americans per year, making it the leading cause of death for adults ages 18-45.
Why fentanyl is so dangerous
The lethal dose is approximately 2 milligrams, a few grains of salt. Street drugs containing fentanyl are not evenly mixed, creating hotspots where a single dose may contain a lethal concentration. There is no way to visually identify fentanyl in any substance.
Where it comes from
Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in clandestine labs using precursor chemicals. It is far cheaper and easier to produce than heroin, which is why trafficking organizations have replaced heroin with fentanyl in most markets.
What it contaminates
Fentanyl has been found in heroin, counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Many people who die from fentanyl did not know they were taking it.
Protecting yourself
Never use street drugs alone. Carry naloxone (Narcan). Use fentanyl test strips. Start with small test doses. For people with opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment provides pharmaceutical-grade medication without contamination risk.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die from fentanyl each year?
Can you overdose from touching fentanyl?
Is there a test for fentanyl?
Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.