A deadly opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl is causing alarm as overdose deaths skyrocket across the United States.
At a Glance
- The CDC warns of carfentanil, a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl, contributing to a spike in overdose deaths
- Carfentanil-related deaths increased by over 700% from 2023 to 2024
- The drug can be found in pressed pills resembling prescription medications and is often mixed with other drugs
- Carfentanil can be lethal at doses as low as 2 milligrams
- Since the Biden administration took office, 34.3 tons of fentanyl have been seized at the U.S. southern border
Carfentanil: A Resurgent Threat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stark warning about the resurgence of carfentanil, an opioid that poses a severe threat to public health. This synthetic drug, which had largely disappeared after an outbreak in 2016, has reemerged with devastating consequences. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
The alarming increase in carfentanil-related deaths has caught the attention of health officials nationwide. Preliminary data shows that in the first half of 2024 alone, there were 238 deaths attributed to this potent opioid. This represents a staggering 700% increase from the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies.
The Danger of Carfentanil
The extreme potency of carfentanil makes it exceptionally dangerous, even in minute quantities. Dr. Chris Tuell, an expert in the field, explains the drug’s lethal potential: “Very small amounts can produce thousands of doses.” This characteristic makes carfentanil particularly appealing to drug traffickers due to its high profitability and ease of manufacturing in illicit labs.
“Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illicit labs,” Tuell said.
What makes carfentanil even more insidious is its deceptive appearance. It can be found in pressed pills that resemble prescription medications or mixed with other drugs, significantly increasing the risk of accidental overdose. “Carfentanil can also resemble cocaine and heroin, so it blends right in with the other drugs,” Dr. Tuell warned.
The Broader Opioid Crisis
The resurgence of carfentanil is part of a larger opioid epidemic that has been plaguing the United States. In 2023, approximately 72,000 drug overdose deaths involved fentanyl, a related but less potent synthetic opioid. The CDC reports that illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) have now replaced heroin as the dominant opioid in the country.
The influx of these dangerous substances into the U.S. remains a significant concern. Since the Biden administration took office, law enforcement has seized an astounding 34.3 tons of fentanyl at the southern border. However, this represents only a fraction of the total amount entering the country, underscoring the magnitude of the problem.
Combating the Crisis
In response to the escalating crisis, the CDC is calling for “rigorous monitoring” of carfentanil and other potent opioids. The agency emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies, including risk reduction tools, improved access to treatment, and prevention of drug use initiation.
