Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.
There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
From Our Collection
Campaigns and Initiatives
Help Is Available
- 24 Hour Access Line in Connecticut: 1-800-563-4086
- SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Live Loud (Connecticut)
- Opioid Overdose Prevention/Naloxone (Narcan) Initiative (Connecticut)
Locate a Treatment Facility
Research & Data
- Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Public Health presents an interactive dashboard with drug overdose data to increase public awareness about the impact of the opioid crisis in Connecticut.
Apps
NORA App
NORA is a free app from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Use NORA to prevent, treat, and report opioid overdose.
Fact Sheets
Curricula & Lesson Plans
- Fentanyl & Opioid Awareness & Overdose Prevention
From Stanford University
- Song for Charlie
A Middle School & High School Toolkit
- The Real Deal on Fentanyl Lesson Plans
- Understanding an Overdose and How to Respond to One
Videos
Podcasts
Trainings
- Addiction Medicine Grand Rounds: Fentanyl Futures—Dynamics in Supply, Use Patterns and Consequences (Yale Program in Addiction Medicine)
Communities Talk About: Preventing Fentanyl Use by Youth and Young Adults Webinar (SAMHSA) Emerging Drug Trends and the Effects on Safety and Risk to Children and Parents (Administration for Children and Families) - Lessons from the Field Webinar, Part 1: Knowing the Facts About Fentanyl (Best Practices Clearinghouse)
- Lessons from the Field Webinar, Part 2: Preventing and Addressing Fentanyl Use (National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments)
- Opioids, Fentanyl, and Xylazine: What Are They and What Do Prevention Professionals Need to Know & Do to Prevent Overdose? (Northwest PTTC)