The Pulse, January 2023
Fentanyl has been in the news a lot lately because of a surge in overdose and poisoning deaths. The fentanyl epidemic is gripping America's small towns and big cities, even right here at home.
Fentanyl overdose deaths in Texas rose 399% from 2019 to 2021. The numbers for 2022 aren't available yet, but they're expected to be even higher.
What you don't know can hurt you. Knowing the facts and having helpful resources could mean the difference between life and death.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. It's up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Prescription fentanyl is safe when taken correctly.
What’s the Problem With Fentanyl?
Fentanyl made its way to the illegal drug market where it's added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine and counterfeit pills. People don't know they're taking fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdose or poisoning.
Even small amounts can be life-threatening. Medical professionals and law enforcement believe most fentanyl overdoses are accidental.
What is Texas Doing About Fentanyl?
Fortunately,
a drug that can reverse fentanyl overdoses is
available without a prescription in Texas. Naloxone, also known by its brand name NARCAN®, is available at most pharmacies, including
CVS PharmacyTM. Keeping naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it could save your life or the life of a loved one. See
Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about naloxone.
Testing strips can detect when a drug contains fentanyl, but Texas considers these drug paraphernalia, which makes them illegal. Texas lawmakers may legalize test strips soon to curb accidental fentanyl overdoses.
Learn more about how Texas is fighting the fentanyl epidemic.
What Can You Do About Fentanyl?
Know the signs of an overdose:
| Know what to do if you suspect an overdose:
|
- pale face that may also feel cold or clammy
- blue or purple fingernails or lips
- tiny pupils
- vomiting or gurgling
- slow or no heartbeat or breath
- unresponsive or limp body
| - call 911
- try to wake the person
- begin rescue breaths or CPR
- give naloxone if you have it
- stay until help arrives
|
Talk to your kids and loved ones before it's too late
It's never too early or the wrong time to talk about the dangers of fentanyl. Since we know fentanyl can hide in fake versions of common prescription drugs, make sure the people you care about are educated and aware. Learn more at
Substances Laced with Fentanyl: How to Protect Loved Ones (Partnership to End Addiction).
Get professional help
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, your health plan covers treatment for substance use disorders under your mental health benefits. You have coverage for in-office and virtual visits.
TRS-ActiveCare mental health coverage
TRS-Care Standard mental health coverage
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage mental health coverage (behavioral health)
