Is fentanyl behind rise in fatal drug overdoses?

PORTLAND, Ore. — Some families are facing a fentanyl crisis and law enforcement is sounding the alarm. The tasteless, odorless drug is driving up the number of fatal overdoses.

People who are battling a substance use disorder are being fooled by fentanyl. Lisa Smittcamp, the District Attorney in Fresno County, California, says the amount it takes to overdose is about the size of two grains of salt.

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"They are signing up for Xanax and they are getting fentanyl. They are signing up for oxycontin and they are getting fentanyl," said Smittcamp.

Pamela Smith knows the harm it can cause. She says her 22-year-old son, Jackson, battled with addiction for years until he took a painkiller unknowingly laced with the illicit drug.

"[My] son died of fentanyl overdose," said Smith. "These kids have no idea what they are buying and it's a crapshoot whether they live or die."

Smittcamp says it's a problem more prevalent in the coronavirus pandemic, with people struggling and sometimes turning to substances.

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Here at home in the Pacific Northwest, in the months before and during the pandemic, at least 339 people died of drug overdoses in Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority said that's nearly 40% higher than the same timeframe the year before. And it's up 35% from the previous six-month period.

Addiction recovery organizations suggest parents keep doses of Narcan at home--the nasal spray that works as an opioid overdose reversal medication. And, as Smith warns, stay aware and ask questions of your kids.

"Don't think that it's not going to be your kid because it can happen to anyone of us," cautioned Smith.

KATU News is committed to shedding light on the opioid crisis and showcasing possible solutions. You can find more Recover Northwest reports here.