48% of overdose deaths in Thousand Oaks involved fentanyl, that's 5 out of every 10.
Get Educated
Think you know what Fentanyl is, who its affecting, and where it’s found? Think Again.
Understanding Fentanyl - What is it?
Overview of Fentanyl (Medical Use vs. Illicit Use)
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used in medical settings to treat severe or long-term pain, usually for patients needing continuous relief. When prescribed and administered by a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be an effective pain management tool.
However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is what fuels the opioid epidemic. This form of fentanyl is commonly associated with overdose deaths across the United States, including in Ventura County, where it has contributed to a 45% increase in opioid-related fatalities from 2019 to 2020.
Fentanyl vs. Other Opioids
Compared to other opioids like oxycodone, fentanyl is significantly more potent. This potency makes even a small amount of fentanyl extremely dangerous. A speck of fentanyl, smaller than a raindrop or a few grains of salt, can be fatal.
Fentanyl is often added to other illicit substances to increase potency and addictiveness, making it much riskier for unsuspecting users. Unlike some opioids, fentanyl cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, making it particularly hazardous as people might unknowingly consume it.
Facts about Fentanyl
Fentanyl’s Potency
A tiny amount, smaller than a couple of grains of salt, can be lethal.
Prevalence in Ventura County
Eight out of ten drugs taken off the streets in Ventura County contained fentanyl. The incidence of fentanyl in seized drugs has increased fivefold over the past five years.
Hidden Danger
Fentanyl can be found in various illicit substances, from “party drugs” like MDMA to counterfeit prescription pills resembling Xanax or Adderall.
Real or Fake
Facts on Fake Pills
Unless it’s prescribed by a clinician and administered by a pharmacist, don’t trust it.
- One in four fake pills tested by DEA labs contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
- Fake pills are sold online and on apps that are popular with teens, who may believe they are buying something safe for anxiety or depression.
- Teens especially may believe that all medicine is safe and be unaware that the pill that appears safe is actually deadly.