Drug Prevention and Safety
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is…
A synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Illicit fentanyl varies widely in purity and quality.
Often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit (“pressed”) pills, with or without the user’s knowledge.
What if my drugs test positive for fentanyl?
Disposal can be done through the use of a medication disposal pouch, taking them anonymously to a drop-off box at your local police station, or by flushing them down the toilet.
Drug Disposal: FDA’s Flush List for Certain Medicines
Harm Reduction Resources:
Never Use Alone (800) 484-3731
Harm Reduction Clinic (supplies) 3150 Clifton Avenue, Lorain, (440) 204-4318
Fentanyl Test Stripes:
Oberlin Community Services (440) 774-6579
Salvation Army Services Unit-Wellington (440) 647-7600
Salvation Army Services Unit-Oberlin (440) 328-9060
Naloxone/Narcan:
Oberlin Community Services (440) 774-6579
Lorain Co. Public Health (440) 322-6367 or by mail
Call us about Naloxone/Narcan and Fentanyl Test Stripes at (440) 774-6579!
Reducing Overdose Risk:
Test it. Knowing what’s in your drugs can help you decide how much and how to use them.
Always carry Narcan/naloxone. Be familiar with the signs of an overdose and be prepared to respond, no matter what drug you’re using.
Listen to your body. Your overall health impacts your overdose risk. Hydrate, eat, and rest as much as possible.
Use slow/less. A little goes a long way and overdoses can occur quickly, sometimes before you’ve finished injecting the dose.
Try smoking or snorting instead of injection. Injecting carries the highest risk for overdose, smoking or snorting may help reduce risk BUT overdose is still possible.
Space out doses. Fentanyl acts fast. Everyone has a different tolerance so it will be different for everyone.
Practice extra caution when using alone. Have someone check on you in case help is needed.
In a group? Stagger your use. Make sure someone is always alert and that at least one person has naloxone/Narcan.