Too Good to Be True: the Dangers of Substance Cross-Contamination

There’s a villain in our communities threatening public health and safety, and it’s going to take all of us—health care professionals, law enforcement, and the community at large—to take this villain down.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin or morphine. It was originally developed for medical use. Today, the drug is increasingly involved in overdose deaths both across the nation and here in Ashland County, the vast majority of which are accidental due to cross-contamination.

What Is Fentanyl Cross-Contamination and How Does It Happen?

Cross-contamination occurs when fentanyl is inadvertently mixed with other substances, often unbeknownst to the end user. This typically happens in clandestine drug labs where dealers cut fentanyl into various drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and even counterfeit prescription pills. 

If fentanyl is known to be so potent, then why would dealers add it to their drugs and risk killing off their customers? That of course isn’t the objective of a dealer. Fentanyl is cheap to produce and transport, and its extreme potency means that a small amount can significantly enhance the effects of other drugs. This has economic potential for the dealer.

However, the process of mixing is far from precise. Without proper equipment and knowledge, the concentration of fentanyl in these mixtures can vary wildly, leading to dangerous—and often fatal—doses. 

Fentanyl’s potency means that a dose as small as 2 milligrams can be fatal. Users unaware of the presence of fentanyl are at an increased risk of overdose, as their usual dosage can become lethal with even a small amount of fentanyl.

The Increased Cost of Cross-Contamination in Our Community

The formula here is quite simple: Unpredictable potencies lead to an increased risk of unintentional overdoses, which contribute to a spike in overdose deaths. 

The widespread presence of fentanyl exacerbates the opioid epidemic, leading to increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and a general decline in our community’s well being. A surge in overdoses puts a substantial strain on emergency medical services, hospitals, and first responders. 

The devastating loss of loved ones due to overdose cripples families and communities, leading to long-term social and economic repercussions.

Cross-contamination also puts our law enforcement officers at risk on the job when handling drugs that may be contaminated with fentanyl. We’ve witnessed this first-hand in Ashland County, when two of our deputies began to overdose simply by incidental skin contact and inhalation of airborne particles. 

How to Fight This Insidious Villain

We can take proactive measures as leaders in the community in the fight against fentanyl. 

It begins with education and awareness—health professionals should be trained to recognize the signs of fentanyl overdose and equipped with naloxone (Narcan), which can reverse the effects of an overdose. Likewise, law enforcement officials should receive comprehensive training on safely handling substances that may be contaminated with fentanyl and be given access to proper protective equipment and naloxone.

ACCADA, the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County, area law enforcement, health care professionals, and local government officials are all working together to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Those who are affected by substance use disorders are encouraged to access the addiction treatment and support services available through ACCADA to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and get the help they desperately need to live a more full and abundant life.

Together, we can work towards a safer and healthier community, protecting citizens from this lethal and potent secret killer.

ACCADA is here to help with compassionate understanding and treatment that helps individuals and families move forward in healthy ways. Services include counseling and a variety of recovery programs. Connect with us to start your journey to healing.