An internal investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a patrol deputy who had allegedly been “exposed” to fentanyl and revived with naloxone in 2023 actually experienced a fentanyl overdose after taking illegal drugs he had seized. The deputy allegedly believed that he was taking methamphetamine and did not know that it was laced with fentanyl. Posts on multiple social media platforms shared news coverage of the report, with some commenters noting that fentanyl is often present in other street drugs and stating that people who use drugs should “just assume” that “everything is laced.”
Recommendation
The myth that incidental skin contact with fentanyl can cause an overdose frequently circulates online. Debunking messaging may explain that it is not possible to overdose on fentanyl by touching it or by accidentally inhaling a small amount. Emphasizing that people who use drugs are at risk of fentanyl overdose because it is often unknowingly mixed with other street drugs is recommended, as is highlighting that fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdose deaths by detecting fentanyl in other drugs and that testing the entire batch is the only way to know for sure if a drug contains fentanyl. Communicators may also emphasize that while fentanyl test strips can be purchased online and may be available for free through local harm reduction programs, they are not legal everywhere.
Fact-checking sources: CBS News, Public Good News
