Fentanyl in Ohio: Risks, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose & Treatment Support
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. While it has legitimate medical uses, most overdose deaths today involve illicitly made fentanyl, often mixed into other drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills. Confidential help is available.
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What to Know
- There are two types: pharmaceutical fentanyl (prescribed for severe pain) and illicitly made fentanyl (linked to most overdose deaths).
- Fentanyl is extremely potent; NIDA notes it is 50–100× more potent than morphine.
- Illicit fentanyl is often added to other drugs or found in counterfeit pills, increasing accidental overdose risk.
- Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing in minutes, call 911 and give naloxone if available.
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is treatable; FDA-approved medications include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically for severe pain (for example, after surgery or in advanced cancer care). Public health agencies report that the majority of fentanyl-related harms and overdoses are now linked to illicitly made fentanyl, which may be sold on its own or mixed into other substances.
Why fentanyl can be so dangerous?
Opioids slow breathing. Because fentanyl is highly potent and illicit supplies can be unpredictable, small amounts can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and death, especially when combined with other depressants.
How People Are Exposed / Common Risks?
- Counterfeit pills made to look like legitimate prescriptions
- Mixed into other drugs (people may not know fentanyl is present)
- Illicit powders or tablets with unreliable strength from dose to dose
- Rarely: prescribed fentanyl used outside medical guidance (higher risk of dependence/overdose)
Possible Effects
- Pain relief and euphoria (opioid effects)
- Drowsiness/sedation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constricted pupils
- Slowed breathing (most dangerous effect)
Additional Risks
- High risk of overdose, especially with unknown potency or counterfeit pills
- Increased risk when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives
- Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal with ongoing use
- Elevated risk of death if using alone or without naloxone access
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.
Opioid Overdose, What to Do
Signs of an opioid overdose (call 911)
- Unresponsive or cannot be awakened
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Blue/gray lips or nails, choking/gurgling sounds
- Very small (“pinpoint”) pupils
What to do right now
- Call 911 immediately.
- Give naloxone if available.
- Try to keep the person breathing; place them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until emergency help arrives.
Important Note About Naloxone” (fentanyl-specific)
- Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdose by restoring breathing.
- If you’re unsure whether it’s an overdose, treat it like one, giving naloxone and calling 911 can save a life.
Harm Reduction Tips (If Someone Is Still Using)” (safe, non-enabling)
- Avoid using alone; have someone who can call for help if needed
- Keep naloxone available and ensure people around you know where it is
- Be cautious with any non-prescribed pills, CDC warns illicit fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills and mixed into other drugs
- Consider fentanyl test strips as a harm-reduction tool (to detect fentanyl in drug products)
- If you’re using more to feel the same effect, or can’t cut back, that can signal OUD, support helps
Can Fentanyl Cause Withdrawal?
Yes. Opioid withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable (and a major driver of relapse). Medical support can help manage symptoms safely and connect you to longer-term treatment options that reduce overdose risk and support recovery.
Treatment Options & How KAV Health Group Can Help
Confidential assessment + individualized plan
We’ll assess use pattern, overdose risk, co-occurring substances, mental health, and your goals, then build a plan that fits your life.
Evidence-based treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
National guidance identifies FDA-approved medications for OUD, including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, alongside counseling and recovery supports.
Ongoing support
Therapy can help with triggers, stress, trauma, anxiety/depression, and relapse prevention skills, plus support for rebuilding routines and relationships.
Telehealth across Ohio + in-person options
Private, HIPAA-compliant care with fast access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically for severe pain; most overdose harms today involve illicitly made fentanyl.
Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
It’s highly potent and can slow or stop breathing, especially when the dose is unknown or when combined with other depressants.
How do people unknowingly take fentanyl?
Public health agencies report illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs or found in counterfeit pills.
Can cocaine be mixed with fentanyl?
Yes, public health guidance notes that fentanyl can be mixed into other drugs, including cocaine, which increases overdose risk.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Unresponsiveness, slow/irregular breathing, blue lips/nails, and pinpoint pupils are key warning signs. Call 911 and give naloxone if available.
What treatment works for fentanyl or opioid addiction?
OUD is treatable. Evidence-based care includes FDA-approved medications, buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, plus counseling and recovery supports.
Do you offer telehealth in Ohio?
Yes, confidential telehealth is available across Ohio (and in-person services where available).
Resources & Safety Notes
- Emergency: If someone is unresponsive or breathing is slow/abnormal, call 911 and give naloxone if available.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (free, confidential, 24/7).
- Find treatment: FindTreatment.gov (confidential locator).
