Fentanyl overdose: a hidden threat in plain sight
Fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in Vermont1
Our purpose
Over the Dose provides practical ways for you to stay safer when using drugs that may contain fentanyl.
What are the dangers of fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal when ingested—even in small amounts.
Just a few salt-sized grains can be fatal.2
7 out of 10 illicit pills are laced with a deadly amount of fentanyl.3
Fentanyl is a silent killer
Fentanyl's entry into the illicit drug supply is alarmingly stealthy—and its impact is devastating.
Fentanyl is dangerous because it is:
Hard to track
Fentanyl-laced pills change hands over 10x before they reach you.4
Cheap to buy
Fentanyl is cheaper to make.5
More deadly
Fentanyl is up to 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine.6
Spot the signs of a fentanyl overdose:
If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.
A fentanyl overdose can turn fatal in as little as a few minutes.7
1 Check
A fentanyl overdose often looks like your friend is just sleeping.
2 Wake
Call their name or rub your knuckles between their upper lip and nose.
3 Breathe
Check if they are struggling to breathe, choking, gurgling, or snoring.
How to protect others from fentanyl overdose
Fentanyl overdose can happen quickly and without warning. When using substances, stay safer by making sure not everyone uses them at the same time. Protect those in danger by carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it.
Carry naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving nasal spray to help reverse a fentanyl overdose. Also known as Narcan®, it is available for free across Vermont.
Get naloxone
Test your drugs
With fentanyl test strips, you can check if your drugs are laced with fentanyl. They are available for free across Vermont and are simple to use.
Get test strips