Fentanyl Deaths: An Evolving National Crisis

By now you have most likely heard of fentanyl and the impact this drug has had across the country. But do you know what fentanyl is? It's a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin and morphine Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, making it even more deadly. The problem is that many people have no idea what fentanyl looks like because it is often masked in other substances. So if it is masked in other drugs, how do you know what to look for?

A Glimmer of Hope: Declining Deaths

There is some encouraging news. Drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased from approximately 110,000 in 2023 to around 80,000 in 2024, representing a decline of nearly 27% Infectiousdiseaseadvisor. Fentanyl-related deaths specifically dropped from over 76,000 deaths in 2023 to approximately 48,000 deaths in 2024 Infectiousdiseaseadvisor. This represents the first time since 2018 that the United States has seen a decrease in drug overdose deaths DEA.

Experts attribute this decline to several factors: increased availability of naloxone, improved access to addiction treatment, changes in drug use patterns, and the positive impact of opioid lawsuit settlement funding Infectiousdiseaseadvisor. However, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44 Infectiousdiseaseadvisor, underscoring that we cannot declare victory yet.

New Threats on the Horizon

While fentanyl deaths are declining, the drug supply continues to evolve with dangerous new substances:

Nitazenes – These synthetic opioids are up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine, with some variants being stronger than fentanyl itself ScienceDaily. They are increasingly hidden in illicit drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, and most users are unaware they're consuming them ScienceDaily. Like other opioids, naloxone can reverse a nitazene overdose, though higher doses may be required due to their extreme potency OAS.

Xylazine – This veterinary sedative is not approved for human use and is often added to illicit opioids University of South Australia. It complicates overdose treatment because its effects cannot be reversed with naloxone University of South Australia. Xylazine use is associated with severe wounds and skin damage, including spots, blisters, or open sores that require prompt medical attention Public Health Scotland.

Testing Unknown Substances

ProResults offers a vital service that can literally save lives – we can test unknown pills to see if they are laced with fentanyl or other unknown substances. If you have a teenager, family member, or friend that you suspect is taking drugs, you can bring the pills to ProResults Lab for testing. This will give you the peace of mind you need to keep your loved ones safe.

ProResults Lab uses state-of-the-art labs and technology to test for fentanyl and other dangerous substances. We have a team of experts who can analyze pills and supply you with accurate information. This means you can get results quickly, giving you the information you need to take action.

Take Action

If you suspect that someone you know is taking drugs, don't wait until it is too late. We strongly encourage you to take action today! Contact ProResults Lab at 512-374-9977 to schedule a testing appointment. Our team of experts will provide you with the information you need to take the necessary steps to keep your loved ones safe.

SAFETY WARNING: If you have found a pill or an unknown substance in your home, place of business, or in someone's possession, use extreme caution. Use gloves or tongs and don't touch any substance directly with your hands. Place it in a sealed bag or container to bring to our facility.

Your loved one's life depends on it. Together, we can raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids and prevent more unnecessary deaths from these deadly drugs.

Harm Reduction Tools

New harm reduction resources are now more widely available than ever:

Naloxone (Narcan) – This medication rapidly reverses opioid overdoses by temporarily blocking the effect of opioids Office of Addiction Services and Supports. It is effective even against highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and nitazenes Office of Addiction Services and Supports. It is safe to use in any person who may have experienced an opioid overdose and has no effect when opioids are not present in the body Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Many pharmacies now offer naloxone at low or no cost, and some communities have installed public naloxone vending machines for 24/7 access.

Fentanyl Test Strips – These test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in substances Office of Addiction Services and Supports and are increasingly available through public health programs. Some areas also offer xylazine test strips to detect this dangerous adulterant.

We encourage you to talk to your kids, friends, and family members about fentanyl and other illegal drugs and emphasize the dangers.

Steps of Communication

Open communication can save the life of a loved one. If you believe someone you know or love has a substance abuse problem, take these steps to help save their life:

1. Education: Educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl-laced substances, new synthetic opioids like nitazenes, and the signs and symptoms of an overdose. Be aware that xylazine may also be present and can complicate overdose response.

2. Communication: Talk openly and honestly with family members about the risks associated with drug use. Explain that they cannot know what's actually in a pill or powder just by looking at it – even a small amount of fentanyl or nitazenes can be fatal.

3. Testing: Contact ProResults Lab in Austin, Texas at 512-374-9977 to schedule an appointment and take the appropriate steps in bringing in an unknown substance or having your loved one tested for drug use.

4. Substance Abuse Treatment: Seek out substance abuse treatment for your loved ones struggling with addiction to reduce the likelihood of them using drugs. Certified treatment facilities are staffed with professionals trained to provide evidence-based treatment to reduce the risk of drug use and drug overdose.

5. Harm Reduction Strategies: Consider implementing harm reduction strategies such as:

   • Keeping naloxone readily available in your home and teaching family members how to use it

   • Using fentanyl test strips if someone is actively using substances

   • Encouraging loved ones never to use drugs alone

   • Starting with small doses when using substances

   • Calling the Never Use Alone Hotline (800-484-3731) if using alone

     
     

In Conclusion

ProResults is here for you and your family, and we hope that if you do need drug testing services in the Austin and surrounding Central Texas area, you will trust us as others have for the past 20+ years. Our services are reliable and discreet, and we offer white glove service and mobile testing. We work with state-of-the-art labs, bringing you the most cutting-edge services in drug and alcohol testing.

While fentanyl deaths are declining, the threat remains real – and new dangers like nitazenes and xylazine are emerging. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to reach out for help.

ProResults Drug and DNA Testing

512-374-9977

Serving Austin and Central Texas for over 20 years