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Too many people across our city, state and country are dying of overdoses. Why? Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a fast-acting synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed legally for severe pain and end-of-life care. But non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illegally and has been found in many drugs including cocaine, ketamine, heroin, methamphetamine and counterfeit prescription drugs.
Important information to know and share:
Fentanyl has been detected in counterfeit pills that look identical to prescription drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, OxyContin and Vicodin.
A dose of fentanyl as small as three grains of rice can be lethal.
You can’t see, smell or taste if a drug contains fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips can show if fentanyl is present, but now how much. Fentanyl test strips can be obtained at any of our Harm Reduction Outreach Services locations.
People use drugs for a variety of reasons. They may be stressed, impulsive, bored, or curious and seeking to experiment. Perhaps they have a friend who takes drugs and offers them some. Fentanyl is a real risk whatever the reason.
Signs of an overdose include: unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness; blue, gray or white lips or fingernails; slow or stopped breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds. Watch this video to learn the signs of overdose and how to give someone Narcan.
Narcan is a safe medication that reverses overdoses and can be lifesaving. Carry it with you. Free Narcan kits are available for pick up at any of our Harm Reduction Outreach Services locations as well as at our headquarters at 400 E. Gray St., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition also provides Narcan and overdose prevention training.
Addiction can happen to anyone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Findhelpnowky.org is a website to help anyone find an addiction treatment facility that is taking new clients right now. The KY HELP Statewide Call Center is also available at 1-877-318-1871. The Kentucky Opioid Assistance and Resource Hotline is also available by calling 1-800-854-6813.
More facts about fentanyl, naloxone and how to help friends or loved ones at https://realdealonfentanyl.com/
DIRECT RELEASE FROM LOUISVILLE METRO HEALTH & WELLNESS
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