Public health officials in Georgia are seeing a rise in people overdosing on drugs mixed with fentanyl. Overdoses have been reported in several areas of the state over the past month, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health Drug Surveillance Unit.
The synthetic opioid has been detected in a variety of narcotics, particularly cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills.
Between early February and mid-March, at least 66 emergency department visits across the state involved the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack, heroin, pain killers and cannabis products that were likely laced with fentanyl. In Northeast Georgia, such cases were reported in Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, and White counties.
Patients described extreme reactions to drugs – one patient reported taking a Percocet and went unresponsive – or patients were seen for a stimulant overdose but had a positive response to naloxone. Naloxone is administered to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be made illegally and found in all types of street drugs, not just opioids. It is important to know that it is possible to have an opioid overdose from a stimulant such as cocaine that is laced with fentanyl.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
- Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
- Limp body
- Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
- Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing
- Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin
- Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
- Slow or no heartbeat
Drugs that contain fentanyl cannot be detected by sight or smell, and even a small amount can cause an overdose.
“If you have a drug that was not prescribed for you, be aware it could contain fentanyl,” DPH states in a news release.
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing in Georgia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased 106.2% compared to the same time period the previous year.
If you suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose and stay with the individual until help arrives. Georgia has a medical amnesty law that protects individuals who may be experiencing an overdose and callers seeking medical attention for drug overdoses. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can be obtained from pharmacies in Georgia without a prescription under a standing order from the Commissioner.
For information on drug prevention and recovery programs, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 available 24/7.
