In the first half of 2022, opioid overdoses killed almost 200 people in Travis County. That’s more than twice the number of deaths from suicide and car wrecks. Drugs laced with fentanyl – a drug that’s deadlier than heroin - are everywhere in our community, accounting for 50% of these deaths.
In 2020, fentanyl-related overdoses killed 883 people in Texas. In 2021, that number climbed to 1,672 deaths — an 89% increase. Opioid overdose can also happen when you use prescription drugs that have been prescribed to someone else.
- 50% of young adults got opioids from friends or family. Over half of young adults who abused prescription opioids got them from a friend or family member.
- 75% of overdose deaths involve opioids. Many illegal and counterfeit drugs are cut with fentanyl – a drug that’s deadlier than heroin.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often added to other substances like pills, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Here in our community, there’s evidence that drugs like Adderall and Xanax - and party drugs like Molly - are being laced with fentanyl. Many people may not know they're ingesting fentanyl, which can lead to death. Fentanyl equal to the amount of two grains of salt can kill you.
How Can Opioids Change Your Life?
Opioids can not only change the course of your life, but one dose can end it. You could lose what matters most to you.
- Your relationships with family and friends
- Your job
- Your education
- Your plans for the future
- Your health
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