Fentanyl is a strong opioid that is often found in our drug supply.
It has been found in drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and other substances. It is often in fake pills sold as Percocet®, oxycodone, Xanax®, and Adderall®. Pills from sources other than a pharmacy should be assumed to have fentanyl.
In our state, more than half of overdose deaths involved fentanyl in 2024. Some people didn’t know their drugs, like cocaine, methamphetamine, or fake pills, had fentanyl in them.
How to Stay Safer with Fentanyl
It only takes a small amount of fentanyl, as much as can fit on the tip of a pencil, to cause an overdose. Fentanyl is especially dangerous for people who are not expecting to use it or have no tolerance to opioids. Fentanyl overdoses can happen quickly. Learn more about the ways to stay safer, like what you need to prevent, recognize, and respond to an overdose:
I can have naloxone and use with someone nearby
In Rhode Island, more than 4 out of 5 fatal overdose deaths in 2024 occurred in private locations, like at home. It is important to always use with someone nearby who has naloxone in case you overdose. You won’t be able to give yourself naloxone. Always call 911 and administer naloxone every two minutes if you think someone is overdosing.
SafeSpot is a free, 24/7 hotline where you will be connected to an operator who can stay on the phone while you use drugs alone. They can activate an emergency safety plan that you can decide when you talk with the operator. Call the SafeSpot hotline toll free (800-972-0590)
I can learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose
If you think someone is overdosing, you need to act fast. Always call 911 first and administer naloxone every two minutes if you have it. 911 will instruct you on how to support their breathing. If they are still sedated but breathing is restored, place them in the recovery position. This will help them breathe while you wait for first responders to arrive.
The Good Samaritan Law provides certain legal protection when you call 911 when someone is overdosing, whether you have drugs on you or not.
I can test my drugs
Fentanyl test strips are easy-to-use tests to see if your drugs may contain fentanyl. When you get your result, you can make the decision about what to do next.
I can avoid mixing drugs
Whether it is on purpose or not, mixing drugs is never safe. The effects from combining many different drugs and alcohol may be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone, and even deadly.
I can learn about xylazine
Xylazine is a powerful sedative found in the Rhode Island drug supply in combination with fentanyl. Xylazine isn’t an opioid, but it can still impact an overdose and cause injuries. In Rhode Island, xylazine has only been found in combination with fentanyl, so you should still administer naloxone if you suspect someone is overdosing.
I can prevent youth poisonings
Adolescents and children often explore the things around them. They may get hold of your medications, pills, or your cannabis, especially if they are left accessible and not in a secure and out-of-reach location. Get a free medication lock bag mailed to your home to keep your children safe. If you believe you are witnessing an unintentional youth poisoning, call 911.
More Resources
Medications for opioid use
Opioid use disorder is a treatable chronic medical condition. Rhode Island offers a variety of behavioral health resources and services for people living with opioid use disorder.
Get supplies
There are many resources in Rhode Island available to improve your health and safety when using drugs. You can also get tested for HIV and hepatitis C.
Fentanyl infographics
Use our graphics to share critical information about fentanyl and saving lives.
Fentanyl test strip data
Fentanyl test strips have been legal in Rhode Island since 2018. Since then, community organizations have been distributing fentanyl test strips around the state.