By Kimberly James; WBAP and KLIF News, Dallas, Texas
17-year old Chance Stovall of Wylie East High School died in early February, although he was rushed to an area hospital, which later pronounced his death due to fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl is described as 50 times more powerful than heroin, and deadlier in part because it’s unknown how much fentanyl is in any given street-purchased pill pressed to look like a legitimate pharmaceutical. The DEA blames Mexican cartels for killing more than 71-thousand Americans by overdose in 2021, with deaths continually increasing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s nearly impossible to know if drugs have been laced with fentanyl, unless the drugs are tested with fentanyl test strips. The test takes about five minutes to complete, but could mean the difference between life and death. CDC warns even if the test is negative, street drugs may contain other potent fentanyl-like drugs such as carfentanil.
Signs of an overdose may include pinpoint, or small, constricted pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness. Slow, weak, or no breathing; choking or gurgling sounds, a limp body, cold or clammy skin and or discolored skin, especially in lips and nails.
If you suspect an overdose, the CDC suggests you immediately call 911, administer naloxone if available, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep the person awake and breathing.