Fentanyl Facts
Fentanyl can be deadly and is showing up in pills, heroin, and cocaine. Overdose due to fentanyl has increased dramatically but is preventable.
What is Fentanyl?
Learn to Anticipate & Recognize Fentanyl
How Do I Know If Fentanyl Is in My Drug Supply?
No Drug is 100% Safe
Overdose Deaths Due to Fentanyl Have Dramatically Increased
Before 2016, fentanyl was only seen in overdose deaths with prescription opioids. Now, fentanyl is found in many substances and is causing fatal overdoses. The data below shows a dramatic increase of fentanyl overdose deaths since 2016.
12 MONTHS RUNNING TOTALS OF OVERDOSE DEATHS BY DRUG CLASS, NEW MEXICO 2015-2020 (PROVISIONAL)
Each point represents the sum of the prior 12 months. Drug types are not mutually exclusive. 2020 data are provisional and subject to change. Source: NM DOH Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics death data
Find Your Local Harm Reduction Program
Visit NMHIVGUIDE.ORG or your local Public Health Office to get info on harm reduction programs near you.
New Mexico Good Samaritan Law
You are legally protected, barring a warrant, probation, or parole, when you call 911 to help a friend or family member experiencing an overdose.
Always Carry Naloxone with You
You can contact your county Public Health Office, Harm Reduction programs, and substance use treatment offices to Find Naloxone (Narcan). You can also request naloxone from a local pharmacy without a prescription because New Mexico has a standing order allowing registered pharmacists to dispense naloxone. To get Narcan anywhere in NM call: 505-270-5943
Avoid Using Alone & Go Slow
Take turns using when you're with other people so there is someone to give first aid if someone overdoses.
Know the Symptoms of Overdose and How to Provide First Aid
If someone overdoses, give them naloxone, call 911 immediately, and provide rescue breathing until they can breathe on their own.
Consider Treatment with Buprenorphine or Methadone
Besides reducing or eliminating the need to use other opioids like heroin, these medicines protect against opioid overdose. Find more about Medication Assisted Treatment here.
