California's Fentanyl Crisis: What Families Need to Know Right Now

The scope of the crisis

Fentanyl is now involved in the majority of drug overdose deaths in California. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine — and just 2 milligrams, an amount smaller than a few grains of salt, is considered a lethal dose for most adults.

The danger has escalated because fentanyl is now being found in counterfeit pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, and even MDMA. People using these substances may not know they're being exposed to fentanyl at all.

Naloxone: the medication that reverses overdose

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse a fentanyl or opioid overdose within minutes. In California, it is available without a prescription at most pharmacies. Every household where there is any concern about opioid exposure — including prescription painkillers — should have naloxone on hand.

Fentanyl overdoses may require multiple doses of naloxone. Do not hesitate to administer a second or third dose if the person does not respond.

What treatment works for fentanyl addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid use disorder, including fentanyl. Medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone dramatically reduce cravings and withdrawal, and are proven to reduce mortality risk by up to 50%.

Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) is another option for individuals who have completed detox and wish to remain opioid-free with pharmaceutical support.

How to help someone right now

If someone you know is using opioids — whether they know it or not — here are the immediate steps:

1. Get naloxone. Today. It's available at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid without a prescription in California.
2. Don't use alone. The majority of overdose deaths happen when no one else is present.
3. Call us. Empathix can connect your loved one with fentanyl-specialized treatment programs in California, including medically-supervised detox and MAT-based residential treatment.

This crisis is real. The solutions are also real. You don't have to navigate this alone.