Fentanyl overdoses are on the rise. Here’s what to know and how you can help

Community awareness is critical to preventing overdoses

2:48 PM

Author | Tessa Roy

Skull blue pills crossbones fentanyl overdose
Getty Images

The opioid overdose crisis has largely become a fentanyl overdose crisis, sparking additional funding allocations for states to combat the problem as it continues to impact families everywhere.  

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid often used by medical professionals in operating rooms or for treating acute pain. However, it becomes dangerous when it’s used outside of a medical setting or used by individuals who are unaware of its potency. 

Brad Uren, M.D., clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, says it’s difficult to uncover the reasons for the cyclical nature of these drugs circulating in communities, but it’s critical for everyone to have awareness of the problem.  

“What appears to be the case is that people buy or use a drug without realizing it’s been laced with fentanyl, and we’re not just talking about heroin,” he said. “In other cases, people do purchase fentanyl knowing what it is, but not how powerful it is. Then, they overdose. It’s important to know that these things are being sold whether they’re properly identified as fentanyl or not.” 

It’s important to understand that this is a universal phenomenon - it can happen to you or your loved ones. We need to do more about breaking down those barriers and removing that stigma so that people who are struggling can get the help they need.”

Brad Uren, M.D

Know fentanyl overdose signs 

Even a small amount of fentanyl can cause a person to overdose, and fentanyl overdoses are difficult for onlookers to distinguish from others – that's determined in the hospital by a lab test, Uren says. However, Uren says it’s critical to be aware of what an overdose may look like and when someone needs help. “Pinpoint” or constricted pupils are a possible sign of an overdose in some individuals, while others may be so profoundly unresponsive that they may be snoring or appear to be asleep. 

Uren says an important intervention tool that anyone can have on hand is naloxone, an agent used to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Uren notes that a standard dose of naloxone may not be enough to help with a fentanyl overdose – it can take several doses to help a person wake up enough to breathe on their own – so the more people carrying it, the more likely it is that a life can be saved. Naloxone is available as inhalers, injectors, and many other forms that are easy to give to a person who is overdosing. It can be obtained for low or no cost by mail, at pharmacies, health departments, or even libraries.  

It can also be lifesaving to know how to provide respiratory help until EMS arrives, Uren says. “Primarily what happens is people become so sleepy that they stop breathing, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Recognizing those signs, knowing how to begin CPR, and how to assist with artificial respirations can be very helpful,” he said. 

Spreading the word 

Uren is encouraged by national and state leaders speaking about fentanyl.  

“There needs to be a national solution. It’s certainly important to have that spotlight because it could mean more resources and more help for our patients,” he said.  

High-level awareness is also critical to combatting stigma and serves as a reminder that opioid use disorder does not discriminate. 

“In 20 years of working in emergency medicine, I have seen people from every walk of life that have been touched by this. It can happen to people who are very wealthy, it can happen to poor families, it can happen across every ethnic group,” Uren said. “It’s important to understand that this is a universal phenomenon - it can happen to you or your loved ones. We need to do more about breaking down those barriers and removing that stigma so that people who are struggling can get the help they need.” 


More Articles About: Addiction and Substance Abuse Emergency & Trauma Care Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Drug Abuse and Misuse
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of healthcare news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories gun with lock on it with key there gun is in black and background yellow and lock is white
Health Lab
Michigan’s new firearm injury prevention laws: What everyone should know
Michigan has a set of new laws related to firearms, all designed to reduce the risk of injury and death across the state.
computer
Health Lab
Same patient. Different visit. Different race and ethnicity?
Data on the race and ethnicity of patients underpins efforts to reduce health care disparities, but a study shows inconsistent recording in emergency departments
Girl participates in rehab activities, playing with shapes on a board and using an exercise ball
Health Lab
Pediatric neuro rehabilitation program provides answers for 10-year-old with a traumatic brain injury
The University of Michigan Health Milestones Pediatric Neuro Rehabilitation Program specializes in evaluating and treating children with an acute neurological diagnosis from an injury or illness.
Illustration of Plan B contraceptive in the palm of a hand
Health Lab
Emergency contraception related ER visits dropped significantly over 14 year period
After federal approval for over the counter emergency contraception in 2006, emergency departments across the U.S. saw dramatic decreases in related visits.
AI algorithm alcohol medical symbols
Health Lab
For surgery patients, AI could help reduce alcohol-related risks
Surgery patients who drink at a risky level have higher risks of complications; surgical teams could use artificial intelligence to search their records for signs that they may need to cut back.
man at event photographing and then on right in wheelchair at UM
Health Lab
Heart attack at Michigan-Ohio State game ends in win for Ohio photographer
An Ohio-based sports photographer is recovering safely at home — and feeling somewhat victorious, despite the Buckeye loss — after having a heart attack at the conclusion of the Michigan-Ohio game.