Now Is the Time to Stop Drug Overdose Deaths

Fentanyl’s increased presence in the drug supply is a key contributor to the increase in overdose deaths. Fentanyl can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine, so even small amounts of fentanyl can cause an overdose.

Many illegal drugs, including counterfeit prescription opioid pills, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, can be mixed or laced with fentanyl with or without a person’s knowledge, as they would not be able to see, taste, or smell the fentanyl.

CDC’s campaign on fentanyl provides information about:

• Illicitly manufactured fentanyl
• Dangers of fentanyl
• Fentanyl’s roles in overdoses in the United States

To learn more about CDC’s campaign on fentanyl, visit Fentanyl Facts.

People who use drugs may use multiple substances together or within a short time period. The use of more than one drug, also known as polysubstance use, is common and can be intentional or unintentional. Whether intentional or not, mixing drugs is never safe because the effects from combining drugs may be stronger and more unpredictable than those of one drug alone and can even be deadly.

For example, mixing stimulants—like ecstasy and cocaine—increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, while mixing opioids with other depressants—like benzodiazepines (“benzos”) and/or alcohol—can slow breathing, which could lead to severe brain damage or death

CDC’s campaign on polysubstance use provides information about:

• The dangers of polysubstance use
• What to do if you think someone is overdosing

To learn more about CDC’s campaign on polysubstance use, visit Polysubstance Use Facts.

Naloxone is a nonaddictive medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose if administered in time. Carrying naloxone and using it on someone who is overdosing on opioids could immediately help save a life. One study found that in most cases of overdose deaths, a bystander was nearby who could have helped prevent the death.

In most states, Good Samaritan laws to protect those who are overdosing and anyone assisting them in an emergency from arrest and criminal prosecution on drug-related charges. Naloxone is available in all 50 states; Puerto Rico; and Washington, DC, and often without a prescription.

CDC’s campaign on naloxone provides information about:

• The lifesaving benefits of naloxone
• How to use naloxone
• Who should carry naloxone
• Naloxone availability in the United States

To learn more about CDC’s campaign on naloxone, visit Lifesaving Naloxone.

Addiction is a treatable disease that can happen to anyone. Recovery from addiction is possible, but the stigma related to using drugs remains a significant barrier to getting help. Showing compassion for people who use drugs can help reduce the shame, or stigma, that people feel when seeking help. Friends and loved ones can offer support and help their loved ones who live with a substance use disorder find a treatment and recovery plan that works for them.

There are many paths to recovery and treatment. Recovery is not always a straight path forward, but a strong support system can help each person take steps toward recovery.

CDC’s campaign on stigma reduction provides information about:

• The effects of drug use on the brain
• Recovery and treatment options – including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)
• Supporting a loved one on their path to recovery

To learn more about CDC’s campaign on stigma and recovery, visit Stigma Reduction.