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The facts about fentanyl are undeniably scary, with even small doses being associated with fatalities. But can you overdose simply by touching this potent drug? The simple answer is no.
However, you might still have some concerns regarding shared or public spaces, especially in areas frequented by fentanyl users. So, let’s separate fact from fiction. What’s safe when it comes to fentanyl? Why and how do people overdose on it? Can you inhale fentanyl through secondhand smoke? Below, we take a closer look.
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Fentanyl Overdose: What’s the Risk?
While fentanyl overdosing has increased across the nation, about 90% of overdose deaths in Richmond, VA, are attributed to the use of fentanyl. Between 2019 and 2023 alone, Richmond also saw a 400% increase in fatal opioid overdoses. It’s no secret that these are powerful drugs that can have adverse effects on one’s health and overall quality of life.
Fentanyl specifically is one of the most potent drugs—thought to be 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more than heroin. This makes this synthetic opioid particularly dangerous, and this is even more so true since tiny amounts (about two milligrams equating to only a couple of grains of salt) can prove fatal.
Fentanyl, like other opioids, binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. It impacts the pain and emotional centers, leading to pain relief and feelings of euphoria. Some users may not be even aware they are taking fentanyl as it can be laced in meth and heroin. This can quickly lead to tolerance and dependency with repeated use.
Over time, the brain adapts, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This is where the risk of overdose becomes especially high. A person may take what they believe to be a standard dose of another drug—unaware it contains fentanyl—and unintentionally consume a lethal amount. Because fentanyl acts so quickly, it can suppress breathing before the individual or bystanders have time to respond.
The rise in counterfeit pills has only made matters worse. Many of these pills are made to look like prescription medications but are actually laced with fentanyl. With no way for users to know the exact contents, the risk becomes unpredictable and deadly.
In Richmond and beyond, the fentanyl crisis continues to claim lives, often silently and swiftly. Public awareness, access to naloxone (a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), and community-based prevention efforts are imperative for curbing this trend and saving lives.
But merely touching fentanyl won’t lead to an overdose.
Skin absorption is minimal, meaning even if some was absorbed, it’s very unlikely to be enough to cause any effects. In fact, dermal patches with fentanyl for medical uses are specifically formulated to deliver the drug slowly and steadily through the skin; in other words, this process requires a controlled dose, special adhesives, and prolonged contact—none of which occur during incidental exposure.
Typically, the effects of fentanyl are felt due to smoking, snorting, or injecting it.
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Can You Get Secondhand Smoke From Fentanyl?
Under normal circumstances, you won’t get high or experience the effects of fentanyl due to secondhand smoke. While this can be a concern, especially for emergency responders, the exhaled portion of fentanyl contains very little of the active compounds. There is no evidence that inhaling this smoke, such as passing by it, would cause someone to experience fentanyl’s effects.
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What To Do If You Think Someone Is Overdosing
With overdose rates associated with fentanyl being among the highest in the state and country, knowing what to do in the face of an overdose can save lives. Signs that someone may be overdosing on fentanyl include:
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Clammy or cold skin
- Drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
- Unresponsiveness
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Slow heart rate
If you notice the above signs and suspect someone has overdosed, follow these steps:
- Call 911.
- Administer naloxone if available.
- Try to wake the person up or keep them awake.
- Lay them into the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking.
In severe cases, you may need to perform CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. The 911 operator on the line will direct you on what to do based on the information you give them.
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Are You Struggling With Addiction?
You don’t have to do it alone. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team is here to help guide you through detox and recovery. We’ll support you every step of the way, and we understand how challenging the cycle of addiction can be to break. But we truly believe your best days are still ahead of you. You have the power to take back control of your life and pave your way toward lasting change and a healthier and more vibrant future.
When you’re ready, call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form. A member of our team is available to answer your call 24/7. Recovery is possible. But it all starts with you taking the first step and reaching out for help.
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