First Wave: 1990s
Prescription Opioids
Rise in opioid overdose deaths prescribed by doctors
Understanding the Opioid Crisis
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has dramatically reshaped the landscape of drug abuse in the United States, marking a lethal phase in the ongoing opioid crisis. Originally developed for pain management, its potent properties have made it a common adulterant in street drugs, contributing to a significant rise in poisoning and overdose deaths.
Below, are informational segments about opioids, the escalation of the crisis through its three waves, and the alarming prevalence of illicit fentanyl. We’ll explore how opioids can lead to poisoning and overdose, the symptoms to watch for, and effective harm reduction strategies, including the use of NARCAN (Naloxone) to reverse overdoses.
Our goal is to equip you with knowledge and tools to combat this crisis effectively.
Understanding the Crisis
The rise of opioid deaths in the US can be seen in three distinct waves.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal prescription pain relievers and illegal substances. Derived originally from the opium poppy plant, they are used medically to treat pain but also have high potential for dependency and abuse. This has led to a complex opioid crisis, unfolding in three distinct waves. We are currently in the third wave dominated by synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, which is exponentially more potent and has led to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths. Each wave reflects a shift in the opioid landscape, compounding the urgency to address the crisis effectively.
Second Wave: 2010
Heroin
Illegal heroin usage becomes the primary cause of overdose deaths
Third Wave: 2013
Synthetic Opioids
Including illicitly made fentanyl, becomes the number one cause of overdose deaths
And the third wave is still going strong...
Things to Know
And is specifically connected to over 71,000 of the near 81,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2021. This is more than car accidents (22,442), suicide (21,678), COVID (21,335), and cancer (17,114).
The lethal dose of fentanyl is equivalent to as low as 2mg or about 3-4 grains of sand, comparable to what could fit on a pencil.
Fentanyl is the #1 killer for people ages 18-45
It is extremely difficult to tell the difference between real and fake fentanyl prescriptions.
CU Anschutz explains... What are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include:
- Illegal drugs like heroin
- Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl
- Prescription pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as, OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone), codeine, morphine and many others.
What happens in an overdose?
Opioids disrupt the body’s natural drive to breath cause someone to lose oxygen to the brain and potentially die within minutes. An opioid overdose happens when too much of the drug overwhelms the brain and interrupts the body’s natural drive to breathe. This also causes oxygen too be cut off from the brain.
How common is illicit fentanyl?
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 6 out of 10 counterfeit pills tested contained a Letha dose of fentanyl.
Can opioids be safe to consume?
When prescribed by a doctor, opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as long was directions are followed. However, they have a high potential for misuse as the medication is addictive and can produce a “high” people may seek out.
How do Opioids Work?
- Shallow or slow breathing, known as the “death rattle”
- Lips and nails turning blue
- Unconsciousness
- Cool, clammy skin
- Skin tone turns bluish-purple, gray or ashen
- Pinpoint pupils
- Body is limp and heavy
- Slow heart rate or low blood pressure
Opioids have the ability to slow or stop breathing. As oxygen no longer reaches the brain, the body will become colder, clammy, and nails and lips may turn blue or grey. Opioids are the only
drug that causes pinpoint pupils as most other cause dilation. The signs and symptoms are fast and progress rapidly, breathing may slow and stop within minutes.
Understanding Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of pratical strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences with drug use. It's putting protectove measures in place to prevent a negative outcome such as injury or overdose.
We are constantly using harm reduction strategies in our lives, many have become habits we don’t even think about such as…
Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is a harm reduction strategy by protecting your skin, the largest organ in your body, from UV damage.
Wearing a seatbelt
Using sunscreen is a harm reduction strategy by protecting your skin, the largest organ in your body, from UV damage.
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Helmets
Using sunscreen is a harm reduction strategy by protecting your skin, the largest organ in your body, from UV damage.
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Following stop lights
Using sunscreen is a harm reduction strategy by protecting your skin, the largest organ in your body, from UV damage.
Using protection
Using sunscreen is a harm reduction strategy by protecting your skin, the largest organ in your body, from UV damage.
All of these are examples of things we do to protect ourselves and others from a negative outcome.
How can I use Harm Reduction Strategies if I end up around Substance Use?
Carry and Administer Naloxone
- Getting trained and having access to Naloxone
- You can received training through CU Anchutez
- Reach out to us and we will get you Naloxone
- View a short video on Naloxone and how to use it
Spread Facts, Not Myths
- Help inform others with facts on the dangers of fentanyl
- Use person-centered language. “A person who uses drugs” vs. “Drug addict”
- Share resources and have the conversations with your family, friends and colleagues to
- spread awareness and education and help save a life.
Break the Stigma
- Poisoning vs. Overdose
- Read our blog
- People are being poisoned and killed over the cheapness for making fentanyl
Fentanyl Testing Strips
- There are test strips that can detect fentanyl in substances
- Always test anything you plan to consume
- Testing strips can be found in your community or online. You can also reach out to us and we can facilitate getting you testing strips
How to use NARCAN/Naloxone
Partners with Additional Resources
Make a Difference Today and Donate to Combat Fentanyl Poisoning.
