Drug Overdose Prevention

Drug Overdose Prevention

According to the University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, overdose deaths in Washington are growing quickly among people ages 18-24.

Deaths and emergency visits from overdoses involving stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are also on the rise. Some places are also starting to see overdoses related to tranquilizers like Xylazine. 

Fentanyl, a strong and fast-acting synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968, is the main reason for the fast increase. It is often used during surgery and for pain management. It’s now being illicitly manufactured and is the main form of opioid sold on the street and online. It’s in drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and fake prescription opioid pills. Many people know they use it. Others don’t know it’s in their drugs or don’t how much is in their drugs. That makes their risk of overdose much higher. 

It is not likely someone would overdose simply by touching fentanyl.  But precautions should still be taken if you come in contact with fentanyl, wash your hands immediately and avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, etc.  While fentanyl can be absorbed across the skin, it would need to have direct contact for a long period of time to have an effect.   It most often needs to be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation being cut into other substances. 

Additional information is available on the WA State Department of Health’s Fentanyl Exposure in Public Places webpage. 

A physician from the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine gives a 3-minute myth-busting talk on this YouTube video. 

Prevention

Any drug in any form (powder, pill, etc.) you get from a dealer, friend, or an online source could have fentanyl in it.  You can’t smell or taste fentanyl, and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them.

To lower your chance of having or dying from an overdose:

  • Assume that any pill, powder, or other drug you get from a dealer, friend, or online source. 
  • Carry naloxone, and let others know where you keep it. Find out where you can get yours by visiting the Naloxone Finder online.
  • Using too many drugs on top of each other greatly increases the risk of death. Opioids, downers, methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol can be a deadly mix!

You can easily access things like: 

  • Safe medication return
  • Naloxone - Naloxone is a prescription medicine that temporarily stops the effect of opioids. This helps a person start to breathe again and wake up from an opioid overdose. Administering naloxone to a person experiencing an overdose may save their life.  Naloxone is the generic name for an FDA-approved drug sold under the brand name Narcan®. Naloxone stops and reverses the effects of opioids during an overdose.
    • All pharmacies in Washington can provide naloxone directly to people without a prescription. Many now also stock over-the-counter naloxone. Call ahead to check availability.
    • If you live in Washington State, you can order Naloxone for FREE & have it mailed directly at no cost to you.  Visit https://phra.org/naloxone.
  • Use the Washington State Recovery Help Line as a resource.

If you are a parent:

If you are in law enforcement or a first responder:
Download the Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders, and watch the first responders' companion training video Fentanyl: The Real Deal for more information.

If you are in other government/public agencies:
Visit the Washington State Dept. of Health Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution webpage.

Review the University of Washington University of Washington Addictions, Drug, & Alcohol Institute (ADAI) community-based agency guide for using pharmacies to access naloxone. 

Other Resources