One Pill Can Kill
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can quickly cause overdose. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a major contributor to the 150+ synthetic overdose deaths occurring every day nationwide.
By VIVIAN LaMOORE, INAAJIMOWIN EDITOR
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently issued an alert on rainbow fentanyl. In recent months, brightly colored fentanyl tablets, powder, and blocks that look like candy have been trending nationally. These products are known as rainbow fentanyl. Due to their potency, very small amounts can cause damage to the brain, and lead to overdoses or overdose death. However, while they are extremely dangerous, experts say the brightly colored illegally manufactured drugs are nothing new.
“We haven’t seen the rainbow fentanyl as of yet,” said James West, Mille Lacs Band Tribal Police Chief. “But we have seen an increase in the blue counterfeit fentanyl pills.”
Blue counterfeit fentanyl pills are manufactured to look like actual prescription opioid medications and are easily accessible on the street and through the internet and social media platforms. Fentanyl is often added to other illegally or illicitly manufactured drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. These “fake pills” have been manufactured in many different colors for years; however, the blue-colored fake pills are prevalent.
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. These fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.
In its liquid form, illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
What is fentanyl?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can quickly cause overdose. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a major contributor to the 150+ synthetic overdose deaths occurring every day nationwide. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder.
“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”
According to the CDC, there are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
According to the CDC, 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022. A staggering 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Some of these deaths were attributed to fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, with many users unaware they were actually taking fentanyl.
Fentanyl use continues to increase in Minnesota and has been driving overdose deaths, both statewide and nationally. In 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health reported that fentanyl was involved in 76 percent of overdose deaths.
Mille Lacs Band Tribal Police responded to 64 overdose incidents in Fiscal Year 2022. Of the 64 overdose incidents, six resulted in death.
Help is available
It is uncontested that drugs containing fentanyl, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fake pills, are highly addictive and dangerous. But there is hope. There is help available. The Substance Use Disorder Department can help guide you through the process. Please contact SUDs at 320- 532-7773.
Naloxone saves lives by reversing opioid overdose. It is quick and easy to administer
Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription. If you believe someone you know may be at risk for an overdose, you can request naloxone. This may be someone who uses drugs or was prescribed an opioid medication. Clinicians and pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring patients receive naloxone — ask them.
In case of an overdose, call 911 immediately, even if you are not sure if it is an overdose. You could save a life. In Minnesota, there are protections in place that grant immunity to people seeking out medical attention for an overdose, known as Good Samaritan laws. Minnesota has expanded its Good Samaritan laws in reaction to the opioid health crisis. “Steve’s Law” is named for Steve Rummler, who died from a heroin overdose in July 2011 after he became addicted to prescription painkillers. Under this law, bystanders and overdose victims cannot be prosecuted for calling 911 for an overdose, even if they are users themselves. This encourages people to get the life-saving help needed in the event of an overdose.
You can read full statute here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604A.05
This photo indicates the differences between authenic ocycodone M30 tablets and fake pills containing fentanyl. As you can see it is difficult to tell the difference. The bottom photo indicates fake pills containing fentanyl known as rainbow fentanyl. Best rule of thumb: if you didn't get it from your medical provider, don't put it in your mouth.
HHS/HEALTH BRIEFS
SIGNS OF OVERDOSE:
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
• 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 in lips and nails)
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS OVERDOSING
It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose — you could save a life.
• Call 911 Immediately.
• Administer naloxone, if available.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
• Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.
STEVE'S LAW
Steve's Law grants immunity from prosecution to those seeking medical attention in cases of an overdose. Under this law, bystanders and overdose victims cannot be prosecuted for calling 911 in overdose situations, even if the caller is a user themselves. In case of an overdose or possible overdose, call 911 immediately.
PASSENGER SAFETY IS A SNAP
SNAP — safe Native American passenger training — is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 1 to 5 p.m. Contact Kristina Abear at 320-532-7814 or kristina.abear@hhs.millelacsband-nsn.gov to sign up.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GROUPS
The Women’s Healing Group meets on Mondays at 5:30 p.m., and the Men’s Empowerment Group meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. Both groups meet at the old District I Community Center across from Grand Casino Mille Lacs. All are welcome!
FIRST AID AND CPR CLASSES AT HHS BUILDING
As part of the Band’s Community Risk Reduction or CRR efforts, First Aid and CPR classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month in the Family Services training room at the Health and Human Services building in District I. Family Services staff and foster parents have priority, after which it is open to other departments and community members. There is a $10 fee for certification cards if participants would like them. Cards are free for Family Services staff and foster parents. Contact Kristina Abear at 320-532-7814 or kristina.abear@hhs.millelacsband-nsn.gov to sign up.