The Most Dangerous New Drug That’s Much Stronger Than Heroin

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The world was shocked by the death of the pop singer Prince in April 2016 at just 57 years old. The medical examiner later determined the cause of death was accidental overdose of a drug called fentanyl. Prince’s death cast the issue of fentanyl abuse into the spotlight.

The average citizen may not have known much about fentanyl, one of the most dangerous schedule II narcotics, prior to the sad news about Prince. But law enforcement, public health officials and emergency medical professionals have been aware of the growing threat that fentanyl and other opioids present.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl belongs to the class of drugs called schedule 2 narcotics. It’s a synthetic opioid that is said to be 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. Schedule 2 narcotics are drugs that have legitimate medical applications, but also high potential for abuse.

Fentanyl has actually been around since the 1960s and can be consumed through a variety of ways, such as patches, smoking and even lollipops. It is used legitimately in medical settings as an anesthetic. Like all opioids, it provides pain relief and can make the user feel euphoric and high.

If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, call our helpline at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) .

Why Fentanyl is so Dangerous

Prince, a famous pop singer, died recently of a fentanyl overdose.

Fentanyl is especially dangerous because of its potency. Even though opiate users have a higher drug tolerance, fentanyl is still much more powerful than any dosage of opiates they’re used to receiving. A single dose of fentanyl can easily kill someone just because it’s so much stronger than other opiates. One reason for the high risks is that, like other opiates, fentanyl presents a high risk of causing respiratory depression. This inability to breathe leads to suffocation.

Fentanyl can even be absorbed through the skin, making it even easier to receive an accidental overdose. Law enforcement officials and medical professionals even risk accidental overdose by coming into contact with fentanyl through contact or by inhaling it. Even very small amounts can cause overdose because the drug is so powerful.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the use of fentanyl is increasing—and so are associated deaths. Over 49,000 people died from overdose in 2024 alone. While that’s a steep drop from 75,000 in 2023, remember that behind every statistic is a human life, and the grieving friends and families they leave behind.

Showing Up Where It Doesn’t Belong

Even those who know about the risks of fentanyl might not be able to avoid it if they’re taking other drugs or alcohol, particularly if the drugs are obtained illegally. Traffickers are flooding the U.S. market through the borders, cyberspace, and even openly on social media with counterfeit drugs, many of which contain fentanyl.

The buyers of these drugs often believe that they’re getting completely different drugs, such as Norco (hydrocodone), Oxycontin (oxycodone) or Xanax (alprazolam). These counterfeit drugs often look like real prescription drugs but are much cheaper than drugs obtained from a legitimate, licensed pharmacy.

Some people intentionally choose to use fentanyl because of its potency, even though it’s much more dangerous. But these individuals aren’t aware that they’re getting fentanyl and believe that they’re taking other drugs with which they’re already familiar.

Choosing to take drugs obtained through illegal underground means puts your life in danger, especially now that fentanyl is so common. There’s no way for the average user to test the pills they get to ensure their purity.

How is Fentanyl Addiction Treated?

Like most other opioid use disorders, fentanyl addiction is commonly treated with a combination of medications and behavioral therapies.

Breaking Free from Schedule 2 Narcotics

Dependency on opiate medication is always risky and dangerous. It doesn’t take long to build up a high tolerance to such drugs, and legitimate prescriptions become harder to obtain. The addiction is usually maintained by relying on less trustworthy sources. This brings increased risk of accidental or intentional exposure to dangerous drugs like fentanyl.

Seeking treatment for addiction to schedule 2 narcotics shouldn’t be viewed as optional—it’s a literal matter of life and death. When you’re ready to seek help, call the caring professionals at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) .

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