Little Pill Big Risk

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that drug traffickers mix into their product to make it last longer so they can make a greater profit. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than drugs like heroin and morphine and cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. Even just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal.

What is the Problem?

Increasingly, fentanyl is being found in other commonly used drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications, such as Xanax and Adderall. This can be extremely dangerous, as people will unknowingly consume fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses or death.

What is Narcan?

Naloxone (AKA Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, including those caused by fentanyl.  

Where to Find Narcan

• Request Narcan & fentanyl-testing strips from the Sandler Center & Student Health
• In the residential colleges
• ISAVEFL.com 
• Major pharmacies, including the Walgreens at the Lennar Foundation Medical Center  
• IDEA Exchange  

Narcan Training

The Sandler Center will be hosting Narcan trainings throughout the year, in collaboration with URecovery, Student Health, and F Fentanyl. All attendees will receive Narcan upon completion of the training. The trainings are open to all students, faculty, and staff.  

Spring 2024 Training Information 

We will host trainings on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, February 14th 12-1pm in Shalala North Activities Room
• Monday, March 4th 6:30-7:30pm in Shalala Grand Ballroom East 
• Tuesday, April 16th 6:30-7:30pm in Shalala Combined Activities Room

• Step 1: Recognize an overdose

  Signs of an Opioid overdose: 

  • Unresponsiveness   
  • Slowed, weak, or stopped breathing  
  • Choking or gurgling sounds 
  • Slowed heart rate 
  • Seizure-like movements
  • Discolored or cold skin
  • Pinpoint pupils 

• Step 2: Call 911

  Though Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose, it is only a temporary solution. It is essential to get help from medical professionals. The University’s medical amnesty policy will protect the caller and the person requiring medical attention from a disciplinary record. Florida’s 911 Good Samaritan Act will protect you from being arrested or charged with the use/possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of small/personal amounts of a controlled substance. 

• Step 3: Administer Narcan

  Watch this video or review this quick-start guide to learn how to administer Narcan. Keep in mind, that it can take 2-3 minutes to start working. If the person doesn’t respond within 2-3 minutes, administer Narcan again. The effects are temporary and can wear off within 30-90 minutes.  

  Narcan will not harm someone if given to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid. If you think someone is overdosing, do not hesitate to give them Narcan.  

• Step 4: Keep the person awake and breathing

  If the person has weak breathing or has stopped breathing, perform CPR. This is best done by someone who has been trained in CPR.  

  Learn CPR by attending a Wellness Center CPR training. 

• Step 5: Stay until help arrives and place person in recovery position

  Once the person has begun breathing again, place them in the recovery position to prevent choking. Stay with them until help arrives.  

  

  Photo Source: Prevent Overdose RI

• Avoid Using Substances Alone
• Carry Narcan and Know How to Use It
• Start Low and Go Slow
• Avoid Mixing Drugs

Additional resources and support on- and off-campus