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Health Services ( Nursing) » Opioid Awareness

Opioid Awareness

In September 2022, the California Department of Public Health issued a health alert regarding the alarming trend of brightly-colored fentanyl (referred to as rainbow fentanyl alert).

 

In 2021, over 71,000 individuals died from drug overdoses involving synthetic opioids in the United States, based on provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recent data indicates a continual increase in these numbers each year.

 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to drug overdose deaths. According to preliminary 2021 data, there were 6,843 opioid-related overdose deaths in California, with 5,722 of these deaths related to fentanyl. Additionally, in 2021, there were 224 fentanyl-related overdose deaths among teens aged 15–19 in California.

 

Recently, there has been an increase in the circulation of brightly colored fentanyl, commonly known as "rainbow" fentanyl, in illegal markets. This type of fentanyl can come in various forms such as pills, powders, and blocks that may resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. It's important to note that regardless of its appearance or color, any pill not obtained from a healthcare provider or pharmacist could potentially contain fentanyl and pose a deadly risk.

 

Knowledge can save lives and stop drug overdose:

Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Signs of an overdose may include: 

  • Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils” 

  • Falling asleep or losing consciousness 
  • Slow, weak, or no breathing 
  • Choking or gurgling sounds 
  • Limp body 
  • Cold and/or clammy skin 
  • Discolored skin (especially on lips and nails) 

It may be hard to tell if a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose. Here are the steps that could save a life:

  1. Call 911 immediately
  2. Administer naloxone, if available
  3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing
  4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
  5. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives

Promote and use naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse a drug overdose. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, even by friends or family, when a loved one experiences an overdose event. Naloxone works almost immediately and is not addictive. Learn how to recognize an overdose event and give the life-saving medication here.   

Anyone who encounters fentanyl in any form should not handle it and should call 911 immediately.   

Have regular conversations with teens, young people, and loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of mixing drugs, and the life-saving power of naloxone to reduce the stigma around seeking help, treatment, and care. Tips to start a conversation:  

  1. Pick a neutral time with no distractions. 
  2. Be open and calm. 
  3. Be prepared and focus on the conversation. 
  4. Give teens the scientific facts and explain the reality and risks of using drugs. 
  5. Express your love and care.  

 

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