FENTANYL IS IN THE DRUG SUPPLY
KNOW THE RISK. CARRY NALOXONE. SAVE A LIFE.
Illegally made fentanyl can be pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed into other drugs without a person knowing. What looks familiar may not be what it seems.
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
FENTANYL IS NOT LIKE OTHER DRUGS
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine and an amount as small as a few grains of salt can cause a fatal overdose.
NOT JUST OPIOID
Illegally made fentanyl may be mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs without a person knowing. Someone who is not expecting an opioid may have little or no tolerance, making a life-threatening overdose more likely.
COUNTERFEIT PILLS
Pills obtained anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy may contain illegally made fentanyl. Counterfeit pills are designed to look like legitimate prescription medication and the difference may be impossible to see. You cannot reliably identify fentanyl by sight, taste, or smell.
FENTANYL DOESN’T CARE HOW GOOD YOUR KID IS
Fentanyl does not affect only people who regularly use drugs. It can take the life of someone experimenting once, someone returning to use, or someone who unknowingly takes a counterfeit pill. No family, neighborhood, or background is immune.
KNOW THE SIGNS. TAKE ACTION.
SIGNS OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE
• Cannot be awakened
• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Choking, gurgling, or unusual snoring sounds
• Blue, gray, or purple lips or fingernails
• Small, pinpoint pupils
• Limp body or extremely pale, clammy skin
WHAT TO DO
• Call 911 immediately
• Give naloxone if available
• Follow the product instructions and give another dose if needed
• Begin CPR if breathing has stopped and you are trained
• Place the person on their side
• Stay until emergency help arrives
NALOXONE SAVES LIVES
Narcan (Naloxone) can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. Carrying Narcan doesn’t mean you expect an overdose, it means you’re ready if one happens. One prepared person can make the difference between life and death. Anyone can carry Narcan, get some sent to you at no charge using the links below.
Walk for Lives & United Against Fentanyl
Walk for Lives is a nationwide, community-driven movement dedicated to raising awareness, honoring lives impacted by substance use and overdose, and promoting education, prevention, healing, and hope. Through walks, outreach events, and advocacy efforts, families along with community members, professionals, and supporters together to raised awareness, reduce stigma and save lives.
The Thomas Effect is proud to partner with United Against Fentanyl, a national movement committed to increasing awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl, supporting prevention efforts, and empowering communities with life-saving education and resources. Together, we stand united in our mission to promote awareness, encourage action, support affected families, and help create safer, healthier communities for future generations.
Together, we remember. Together, we educate. Together, we save lives.
Trusted Resources
Reliable information, education, treatment connections, and lifesaving resources for individuals, families, and communities impacted by fentanyl and substance use.
Fentanyl Facts & Prevention
Fentanyl Facts — CDC Learn about illegally made fentanyl, counterfeit pills, fentanyl in the drug supply, and why exposure can be deadly.
DEA: One Pill Can Kill Official warnings and educational resources about fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills.
Substance Education for Young People — CDC Free Mind Straightforward information for young people and families about fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and today’s drug supply.
Overdose Prevention & Naloxone
Lifesaving Naloxone — CDC Learn the signs of an opioid overdose, how naloxone works, and what to do during an emergency.
End Overdose Overdose-response education, naloxone training, prevention resources, and opportunities to take action.
Never Use Alone Confidential, national overdose-prevention service for people who may be using alone. A trained operator stays on the phone and can contact emergency services if the caller becomes unresponsive. Call 800-484-3731 or 877-696-1996.
Naloxone Texas — Formerly More Narcan Please Find free naloxone, overdose-response training, regional distribution locations, and other lifesaving resources throughout Texas.
Texas Support & Treatment
Texas Opioid Response: Help Is Here Texas treatment, recovery, naloxone, crisis, grief, mental health, and family-support resources.
Find Treatment — SAMHSA Search confidentially for licensed mental health and substance-use treatment providers.
Awareness, Advocacy & Families
United Against Fentanyl National fentanyl awareness, prevention, advocacy, educational resources, and the Walk for Lives movement.
Jacob’s Journey A Texas nonprofit honoring Jacob Burdette through overdose awareness, naloxone education and distribution, family stories, and community resources.
Immediate Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Free and confidential emotional, mental health, and substance-use crisis support available 24 hours a day.
The Thomas Effect provides these links for educational purposes and does not endorse any individual treatment provider. If someone is unresponsive or may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.
