October: Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in Texas

By LAUREN DAVIS Contributor

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in the state, a move intended to address the escalating crisis of fentanyl-related deaths.

The proclamation, issued in August 2023 and accessible at gov.texas.gov, aims to increase public awareness of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is contributing to a significant increase in overdose deaths.

Opioid essentially means “like opium” and refers to substances that act on the same receptors in the brain as opium. The term includes both natural and synthetic substances that have similar effects to opium.

Natural opioids come from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). According to Medicalnewstoday.com, morphine and codeine are the best examples of these opioids, as they are extracted directly from the plant or its resin. Natural opioids have been used for centuries and have a long history in medical practice for pain management.

Synthetic opioids are man-made, artificial drugs that are designed to work like natural opioids. Scientists start by designing chemical structures that work with brain receptors that mimic natural opioids. These designs are combined with other chemicals in the lab to create the final drug. After the drug is created, it is tested to ensure it is safe. The clean drug is then converted into its final form, such as pills or patches, so that patients can use it properly.

Cdc.gov reports that fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION

Illegally produced fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. As a result, many people are unaware they are taking fentanyl, which can lead to accidental poisoning.

A Washington Post investigation by Nick Miroff, Scott Higham, Steven Rich, Salwan Georges and Erin Patrick O’Connor reveals that U.S. efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis have been inadequate over the past seven years. The investigation highlights how multiple governments have failed to effectively address the crisis, which has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49.

Illicit fentanyl comes primarily from Mexico and China. In Mexico, drug cartels are the primary producers of illicit fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that Mexico produces the drug and that China is a major source of fentanyl and the chemicals needed to make it.

Although China has tightened its regulations, some of these chemicals still end up in illegal production networks in Mexico. These cartels have sophisticated methods for producing and trafficking fentanyl, including making fake prescription pills containing the drug.

The Washington Post investigation explained that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, struggling for relevance and resources, has been unable to come up with an effective strategy. David King of the federal drug task force in San Diego noted, “Law enforcement has done the best it can … but in Washington they’ve been very slow to respond to this.” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram admitted in the Post report, “It’s a new, deeper, deadlier threat than we’ve ever seen,” reflecting the agency’s delayed recognition of the seriousness of the problem.

ONE PILL KILLS

The DEA’s “One Pill Kills” campaign raises awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other powerful substances. The goal is to address the rise in overdose deaths by educating the public on how to recognize and avoid counterfeit medications.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of using only legitimate prescriptions and advocates for greater access to naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, while also increasing education about the risks of fentanyl.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, fentanyl was responsible for more than 2,000 deaths in Texas in 2023, a sharp increase from previous years. The crisis has particularly affected young adults, ages 18 to 34, who accounted for nearly 40 percent of all overdose deaths in the state. There has also been a troubling increase in deaths among teenagers.

Abbott’s proclamation is part of a larger effort to combat this epidemic. Several initiatives will be launched in October, including community outreach, educational campaigns and partnerships with local organizations to raise awareness and prevent further deaths. “Simply put, fentanyl is a secret killer, and Texans are falling victim to the cartels that produce it,” Abbott said.

Under Abbott’s leadership, the Texas Department of Public Safety is actively working to raise awareness about fentanyl and curb its trafficking.

Since March 2021, DPS’ Operation Lone Star has seized over 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Given that the U.S. population is estimated at around 332 million people, this means that the amount of fentanyl seized would theoretically be enough to kill every person in the country with some doses left over.

Criminal drug networks push counterfeit pills, which can look like legitimate prescription drugs such as oxycodone/Percocet, hydrocodone/Vicodin, alprazolam/Xanax, or stimulants such as amphetamines/Adderall. They are often laced with lethal doses of fentanyl. These counterfeit pills are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to a wide audience, including teens and young adults.

YOUNG VICTIMS

Tragic victims of this crisis include Tucker Turner and Samantha Flores. An Msn.com documentary revealed that Tucker, a 19-year-old Texan, died after taking a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl, thinking it was a prescription drug.

Flores, a 20-year-old college student from Houston, died in a similar manner from fentanyl poisoning after taking a counterfeit pill.

Veronica Kaprosy, who is still grieving the tragic loss of her daughter Danica to fentanyl poisoning last year, is determined to make sure her daughter’s death was not in vain. As Fox San Antonio’s Matt Roy writes, “Danica did not commit suicide and it was not an overdose — my daughter was murdered,” Kaprosy said as she fought back tears. Now, she is courageously sharing her story in the hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and preventing others from suffering the same heartbreaking loss.

On July 20, 2022, Veronica called her daughter Danica to ask if she wanted breakfast.

Danica didn’t answer.

“I go to wake her up and she’s got her legs crossed and she’s laying face up and she’s collapsed. I go to wake her up and she’s cold,” Veronica said.

Danica had already left.

She had severe allergies and insomnia, which left her in constant pain. Unbeknownst to Veronica Kaprosy, her daughter was taking Xanax and Percocet to help ease her pain and help her sleep better.

“Until she took that one pill and didn’t wake up the next day,” the grieving mother lamented.

Just like that — Kaprosy’s world changed. Now she’s telling Danica’s story. “I don’t want another parent to feel the way I did,” Veronica said.

SIGNS OF OVERDOSE

Signs of a fentanyl overdose include pinpoint pupils, pale or clammy skin, limp body, bluish or purple nails or lips, and difficulty breathing.

Immediate actions to save a life include:

• Call 911
• Administer naloxone if available
• Perform rescue breathing or CPR
• Stay with the person until emergency help arrives

Learn to recognize the symptoms of fentanyl poisoning and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how to obtain naloxone to carry with you and keep at home.

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids, including fentanyl. Cdc.gov advises that if you or someone you know is at risk for an opioid overdose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting naloxone to carry with you and keep at home. A prescription is not required.

Whether you want to educate your child about the risks or are concerned about a loved one using drugs, it’s time to talk about fentanyl. Have a calm, direct conversation and listen without judgment. Work together to create a plan to stay safe.

High stress levels put first responders and healthcare workers at risk for substance use disorders. The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential telephone support line available to EMS and healthcare workers. Callers can receive free peer support, learn how to navigate treatment and referral services, and receive information about employment and licensing issues. Visit Heroes Helpline or call 833-367-4689.

Schools and youth programs are encouraged to keep naloxone on hand and train staff in its use. For more information and resources on fentanyl awareness, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

“On my desk in my office at the Capitol, I have a picture of Danica Kaprosy,” said Governor Abbott, speaking on behalf of the Texas Governor’s Office. “It reminds me of the stakes we face in this fight against the fentanyl crisis. While we can’t bring her and the thousands of other people who have been victimized by this drug back, we can work together to ensure that this doesn’t happen to Texas families again.”