What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically to treat severe pain, particularly after surgery or in cases of advanced cancer. It is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain and producing a sense of euphoria.
When prescribed and regulated by a doctor, fentanyl is available in the form of patches, lozenges, injections, and tablets. However, fentanyl that does not come from a medical provider is unregulated and illicit. This type of fentanyl is increasingly being found in street drugs—often mixed with heroin, cocaine, xylazine (also known as “tranq”), or made into counterfeit pills—leading to accidental overdoses. Even a tiny amount can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms include slowed or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, and death if not treated immediately. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose if administered promptly.
Access to Fentanyl Testing Kits
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NY - Office of Addiction Services
Free Naloxone and Test Strips. Naloxone and test strips are available free of charge and direct to NYers to help prevent overdose deaths and save lives.
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NYC - Department of Health
Where to locate tests in every borough.
Access to Narcan and Nalaxone
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NY - Department of Health
Naloxone is now available in all pharmacies throughout New York State. Individuals who are themselves at risk for an overdose or their family members or friends may acquire naloxone in these pharmacies without bringing in a prescription.
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NYC - Health and Human Services
How to find Narcan and Nalaxone in your community.
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NCAPDA
Learn more about Narcan and Nalaxone, how to use it and where to find it.
Education
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Community Overdose Prevention Education
List of harm reduction tools and resources
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Science Direct
Tracking the rise of fentanyl in the NYC area.
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Fentanyl and Opioids
Fact sheet about fentanyl and opioids.
Grief Resources
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Grief Share
Connects you to in person and online grief support groups.
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Our House Grief
Provides grief resources for children, adults, and families.
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Stonybrook
Compilation of several links for grieving families and services.
Funeral Assistance Resources
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NYC - Burial Resources
List of burial resources on NYC gov site.
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Law Help
Burial assistance and funeral planning. Database of licensed funeral directors.
Reginal Resources
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Recover Centers of America
Lists multiple inpatient and outpatient out of state drug addiction treatment centers.