Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. It can be made illegally and used to make fake pills that look like Adderall, OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Powdered drugs, like cocaine, may also be contaminated with fentanyl.
You can't see, smell, or taste fentanyl, so any drug that's not prescribed to you by a doctor could contain a deadly dose. The safest way to prevent a fentanyl overdose is to not use drugs.
People sometimes seek medication as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain. Don’t take pills from a friend, even if they say they’re real. If you think you may need medication, talk to a parent or trusted adult. Get a prescription from a doctor and fill it at a pharmacy.
Medication isn't your only option. If you need support with mental health or recovery, check out these resources.
Because many fake prescription pills and other drugs contain fentanyl, combining them can be dangerous. Using more than one drug at the same time increases the risk of an overdose. So does drinking alcohol while using drugs.
Test strips can show if a drug contains fentanyl. They are fast, easy to use, and cost about $1. When the presence of fentanyl is known, people can take steps to reduce the risk of an overdose. But they don’t guarantee that a drug is safe even if the drug tests negative, there is still a chance it could contain fentanyl or another dangerous substance.
Important! Fentanyl test strips are only legal in some states. Use this guide to check if they are legal in your state
Using alone increases the risk of a fatal overdose. If a friend is taking drugs, stick around and make sure they're okay. If something goes wrong, you'll be able to get help.
Have naloxone available in case of an overdose.
Never Use Alone is a judgment-free hotline that connects people with a volunteer while they use.
Do you know what an overdose looks like? The most common symptoms are:
Visit HarmReduction.org to learn more about how to recognize an overdose.
Opioid overdose reversal medications, like naloxone, can reverse an opioid overdose. It's safe, legal, and available without a prescription. Learn how to use naloxone and carry it with you.
When someone is showing signs of an overdose, it’s urgent to take action fast. Call 911 right away. If your state has a 911 Good Samaritan law, you won't get in trouble for trying to help. Use the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System's map to check the law in your state.
Call 911, and tell them someone is unresponsive.
If you have naloxone, use it. More than one dose may be needed.
Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
If the person isn’t breathing, do rescue breathing or CPR if you know it.
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
Stay with them. When paramedics arrive, tell them what you know.
What are 911 Good Samaritan Laws?