Opioids cause more overdose deaths in the United States than any other type of drug, and fentanyl is involved in most of them, according to the CDC. Stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine are the next largest group, often because they have been mixed with fentanyl.
Why is fentanyl the deadliest drug?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far stronger than heroin or morphine, so a very small amount can stop someone's breathing.
Illicit fentanyl is often pressed into fake pills or mixed into heroin, cocaine and other drugs, so people can take it without knowing it is there.
Heroin
Heroin is an opioid made from morphine, and street heroin is now often mixed with fentanyl. That mix makes the strength of any dose impossible to know, which raises the risk of a fatal overdose.
Cocaine and methamphetamine
Cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulants that can cause a heart attack, stroke or seizures, even in people who are young and healthy.
Both drugs are now often contaminated with fentanyl, which puts people who do not use opioids at risk of an opioid overdose.
What to do if someone overdoses
Call 911 right away. If opioids might be involved, give naloxone if you have it, because it will not harm someone who has not taken opioids.
Stay with the person until help arrives, and if they are breathing, lay them on their side.
Getting help
If you or someone you love uses any of these drugs, treatment can start before an overdose happens. Enhance treats opioid and fentanyl addiction, with medically supervised detox first when the body depends on the drug.
Call (714) 862-1907 to talk with admissions and check your insurance. Benefits vary by plan, and verification is not a guarantee of coverage. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
