Fentanyl is a super-strong drug that doctors use to help manage severe pain in a controlled setting (such as after surgery or for people with cancer). While fentanyl can be helpful when prescribed by a doctor, it is also being made illegally and often sold through dealers on social media, often mixed (laced) with other drugs like heroin or fake prescription pills.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, a common painkiller. This makes it much more dangerous, and it’s a huge factor in cases of drug overdoses.

Looking for resources to help parents talk with kids about fentanyl? Visit the PACT website.

How is Fentanyl Different?

Fentanyl is way stronger than most other painkillers, which makes it risky. Even just a little bit of Fentanyl can be enough to cause an overdose, and that’s a big reason why it’s so dangerous.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it's man-made, and it's much stronger than other opioids like morphine or oxycodone.

You need much less fentanyl to overdose than other opioids. It can be bought on its own in liquid or powder form, or it can be mixed in with other counterfeit drugs. This is why people can accidentally take too much without even realizing it.

Because fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, you might not even know you're taking it. This makes it even riskier to take drugs that were not prescribed by a doctor.

Like other opioids, fentanyl can be addictive. Some people start using it recreationally, but over time their bodies get used to it and they need more to feel the same effects. This leads to dependence and addiction.

Just 2 milligrams (just a few grains of salt) can cause an overdose, which is why so many people are dying from it.

Can you Spot the Difference?

According to the DEA, starting from the left, the authentic blue tablets are on the top row while the counterfeit ones are on the bottom. In the second column, the authentic tablets are on the top and the counterfeit ones are on the bottom. In the last picture, the white tablet is the authentic one.

All the counterfeit tablets, although they look like the authentic ones, have fentanyl or methamphetamines found in them and are not safe for consumption.

A Call to Action - How to Advocate for Prevention

You can make an impact by joining local efforts to change policies. Here are some ways to get started:

Write Letters or Emails

Reach out to local leaders or government representatives to express your concerns about fentanyl and ask for policy changes.

Attend Community Meetings

Get involved in town hall meetings or school board meetings where local decisions about drug prevention and education are made. These meetings are a great opportunity to voice your opinion and help guide change from youth perspectives.

Work with Local Leaders

Meet with local officials to talk about how they can help with drug prevention. You can suggest specific actions, like offering naloxone in schools or funding awareness campaigns.

Find your government officials here.
Request a meeting: Contact the official’s office by phone or email. Request a meeting to discuss concerns about fentanyl, drug prevention, or education in the community. Clearly state what you will talk about and its importance. You can say something like, “I’m a student in [your town], and I’m concerned about the rising fentanyl overdose rates. I’d like to discuss ways we can work together to improve drug education and prevention in our schools.”
Prepare for the Meeting: Before meeting, gather facts, statistics, and specific suggestions for how the official can help. For example, you might ask for naloxone to be available in schools or for better drug education programs. Practice what you want to say and be respectful of their time.
Follow up: After the meeting, send a thank you note or email. This shows your appreciation and keeps the conversation going. You can also follow up to see what actions they’ve taken or what next steps are.

Start a Social Campaign

Gather a group of friends or classmates to start a campaign that educates others about the dangers of fentanyl.

Take the pledge.

Partner with Local Organizations

Many local groups are already working to prevent drug use and raise awareness about fentanyl. Reach out to them to see how you can help.

Visit L Youth.

How to Get Help: Resources & Support

How to Access Naloxone

Call 516-719-0313 to receive a kit from YES Community Counseling Center or fill out this form with OASAS.

Counseling and Support Groups

For free counseling through the BRIDGES program, visit https://www.bridgesyes.org or call 516-719-0313, x218.
Long Island Crisis Center 516-679-1111 – Crisis and Suicide Hotline 24-hour assistance
988 Lifeline – 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call, text, chat)