One Pill Kills

Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis

Five Texans die every day, on average, from fentanyl poisoning. Understanding the dangers of fentanyl is crucial in reducing the threat it poses to you and your loved ones.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.

Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and in counterfeit pills. As a result, many people may not know they're ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. A prescription is not required.

Signs of an overdose:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

  • Face is extremely pale and/or feels cold or clammy to the touch

  • Body goes limp

  • Fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color

  • Vomiting or making gurgling noises

  • Cannot be awakened or unable to speak

  • Breathing or heartbeat slows or stops

How to save a life:

  1. Call 911 right away

  2. Try to wake the person up

  3. Give naloxone, if available

  4. Begin rescue breathing or CPR

  5. Turn the person on their side to prevent choking

  6. Stay with the person until emergency services arrive

What Youth and Young Adults Should Know

Many fake pills are made to look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet (perk), opioids (painkillers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants like Adderall (addy).

These fake pills are increasingly common, and fentanyl may be mixed into them. Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly.

Be prepared to save a life. Learn the signs of a fentanyl poisoning and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home.

What Parents Should Know

Whether you want to inform your child of the risks or are concerned about a loved one who uses drugs, it's time to talk about fentanyl. Have a calm, direct conversation, and listen without judgment. Work together to make a plan to stay safe.

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death — for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription.

What First Responders Should Know

Due to high levels of stress, first responders and health care workers are at risk for substance use disorders. The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential, telephone support line available to EMS and health care workers. Callers can access free peer support, learn how to navigate treatment and referral services, and receive information on employment and licensing concerns.

Go to Heroes Helpline or call 833-367-4689.