Missouri is facing a dangerous and fast-growing drug trend: fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is increasingly being mixed into other substances like crystal meth. Many users are unaware they’re being exposed, which puts them at serious risk for overdose and death.
Missouri’s addiction treatment providers are noting that the state’s response to this crisis has not yet caught up with the scale of the threat. But there is still time to act. With bold, coordinated efforts, the state can prevent countless fentanyl-related tragedies in cities and towns across Missouri.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, this moment matters. In this article, we’ll explore why our state’s next steps are critical and what individuals, families, first responders, and policymakers can learn from other regions already taking action to save lives.
What is Fentanyl Exactly?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug first developed in the 1950s to treat pain. It is chemically similar to both morphine and heroin, however it is much stronger, up to 100 times stronger than morphine for the same weight.
It has legitimate medical uses, and fentanyl treatment is mostly used in hospitals to treat pain. However, it is also used as a street drug and is increasingly manufactured in illicit labs both in the United States and overseas.
Why Fentanyl in Meth is So Concerning
Increasing levels of fentanyl being found in methamphetamine is of special concern for three main reasons:
1.) The deadliness of fentanyl:
Fentanyl is incredibly potent. Even a small amount can cause an overdose death. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the amount of a couple of grains of salt, can be fatal.
Statewide, fentanyl is now responsible for more than 70 percent of overdose deaths, soaring past all other drugs. It is incredibly fatal both to users of opiates and users of other drugs who may not know their drugs contain this powerful opiate.
2.) The hidden nature of fentanyl:
Fentanyl is also so dangerous because many drug users do not know they are using fentanyl or an opiate at all. Fentanyl is often, intentionally or accidentally, mixed into other drugs without the drug user knowing.
In the past this has mainly involved its intentional inclusion in the illicit manufacture of pills such as Adderall, or in accidental inclusion with power drugs such as cocaine. However, more and more methamphetamine is being found mixed with fentanyl contributing to overdose deaths in Missouri and across the US.
3.) The accidental nature of fentanyl overdose:
Oftentimes, fentanyl is not even intentionally mixed with drugs like methamphetamine. In some cases its inclusion is intentional, to create a stronger high. However in many cases, due to its extremely potent nature, it is accidentally mixed with other drugs by dealers, including methamphetamine, “surprising” users of other drugs.
When users have no tolerance to opiates, even tiny amounts of fentanyl can lead to deadly overdoses.
Across the United States, drug overdoses have increased by more than 20 percent according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Fentanyl increasingly found in meth is concerning for Missouri in particular, because meth is one of the most commonly used substances in the state, especially in rural communities.
Missouri is Behind On Addressing Fentanyl
It is abundantly clear that fentanyl is a crisis in Missouri already, and it’s getting worse. However, our hands aren’t tied. There are more than a few things we can do to combat this emerging drug epidemic.
First, Missouri coroner’s offices often don’t test for fentanyl in autopsies, making it hard to assess the true damage. Simply, Missouri needs better data so we can understand the size and scope of the problem and where it’s happening.
Second, Missouri could really use a comprehensive statewide strategy to treat the public health problem fentanyl addiction and use poses. Missouri does have some strong community-wide efforts, but to effectively deal with the crisis the state at large must get involved to a greater degree.
Third, and finally, Missouri needs a real-time overdose alert system and better information sharing between public entities like hospitals, treatment centers, and first responders to help counter outbreaks of opiate overdoses. Again, this comes down to both gathering data and sharing it. We need eyes and ears telling us exactly what’s happening and where, so the state can best direct resources.
What Missouri Might Learn From Other States
States like California, Oregon, and Washington have been facing a similar crisis longer than we have and have started building systems that can save lives. Missouri has a chance to follow their lead and save the lives of its citizens and others.
Here’s what we can do:
Test All Seized Methamphetamine for Fentanyl
In Oregon and Washington, law enforcement routinely tests meth and other non-opioid drugs for fentanyl. This helps alert communities when a contaminated batch is circulating and gives health departments time to respond.
Create an Overdose Surveillance System
By sharing data between EMS, hospitals, coroners, and public health departments, states can spot overdose clusters and respond within hours rather than days or weeks. Missouri would really benefit from a similar system.
Equip All First Responders With Narcan
Naloxone, also known by its name brand Narcan, can reverse opioid overdoses in seconds. If every first responder carries it and is trained to use it countless lives can be saved. It should be as standard as a defibrillator.
Invest in Harm Reduction
Fentanyl test strips, sterile syringes, and safe use education aren’t about condoning drug use, they’re about keeping people alive long enough to reach recovery. These tools are inexpensive and proven to work.
Launch Public Awareness Campaigns
Most people in Missouri still don’t realize fentanyl is being mixed into meth, cocaine, and even marijuana. Statewide campaigns can help spread awareness and shift behavior, especially among young people and casual users.
At the same time, stigma around drug addiction is one of the greatest barriers to public health. If we can help to break this barrier more people will live and have the opportunity to break their addictions.
Clear Path Recovery Center Has the Addiction Care You Deserve
If you or a loved one is using meth, you should assume fentanyl may be present and take precautions including carrying Narcan, understanding the laws about taking people who are overdosing to the hospital, and general safety procedures.
Even better, you can quit using meth. We can help. We currently offer a medical detox program as well as residential treatment for nearly any addiction, including for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
If you’re looking for fentanyl or meth treatment for yourself or a loved one, give us a call today. We can be reached at (417) 448-6488 and are looking forward to helping you and your loved one break free from their addictions.
