How to Check Your Drugs for Fentanyl

Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs

Fentanyl is a new addition to the opioid epidemic that has increased opioid overdose risk across the U.S. It was initially made to be a potent pain management prescription. However, it is now being manufactured illegally without any regulation on potency and is being found in almost every illegal drug. It is causing many unintentional drug overdose deaths and has thrown a wrench into the war on drugs.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate that can be easily produced in the lab or on the streets. It is less expensive than other opiates and is 100 times stronger than morphine. Even an amount the equivalent of a grain of sand is enough to cause an overdose. Many drug dealers are using it to cut a wide range of drugs to increase profits. Because it is being manufactured illegally, not all batches have the same potency, so drug dealers are putting unknown, even deadly amounts into drugs. Fentanyl has also been manufactured to look like other opiates, like Oxycodone pills.