“Rainbow Fentanyl” pills circulating throughout Arizona

Opioids can effectively reduce severe pain in the short term, but they can be very addictive, especially if they are misused. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been increasingly found throughout Arizona in recent years and has been found to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine, making it extremely dangerous and addictive. Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency issued a warning about brightly-colored fentanyl pills circulating throughout Arizona and 18 other states. The deceiving-looking pills resemble candy and may target younger children and adolescents. 

The rising rates of fentanyl use are alarming, but by learning preventative measures and bringing awareness to the issue, you can help yourself and communities throughout Arizona. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

• Counterfeit opioids look very similar to prescribed medications; learn how to spot the difference between real and counterfeit opioids. 
• Know someone who needs someone to talk to about opioid use and misuse? A bilingual hotline is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 at 1-800-622-4357.