Fentanyl Overdose In Ohio | Death Rates, Signs, & Prevention

Drug overdose deaths from fentanyl in Ohio comprise almost all drug overdose deaths in the state every year. Through September 2021, there were approximately 4,000 overdose deaths caused by fentanyl in Ohio, accounting for over 80% of all overdose deaths in that time period.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with a high potential for illicit drug use and overdose. 

Recognizing the signs of a synthetic opioid overdose, such as breathing problems and choking sounds, can prevent fentanyl deaths. Rates of prescribing fentanyl are likely low, while supplies of illicit fentanyl in Ohio are likely high.

Opioid overdose prevention in Ohio includes educating residents in harm reduction practices, providing naloxone, and enrolling citizens in substance use disorder treatment programs.

Ohio Fentanyl Overdose Death Rates

Unintentional fentanyl overdose deaths in Ohio have been on an increasing trajectory since 2019:

• 2017: 3,431 overdose deaths
• 2018: 2,733 overdose deaths
• 2019: 3,070 overdose deaths
• 2020: 4,041 overdose deaths
• 2021: ~4,000 overdose deaths (through September 2021)

Toxicology reports and data on opioid overdose deaths in Ohio are only publicly available through September 2021. Trends from 2021 suggest approximately 400 drug overdose deaths per month may have occurred in Ohio for the remainder of the year.

The number of overdose deaths in Ohio from 2017-2021 also included deaths from carfentanil, a potent fentanyl analog. Drug supplies of both fentanyl and carfentanil are likely accessible to residents through illicit online pharmacies or counterfeit pill providers.

Signs Of Fentanyl Overdose

You can detect physical signs of a fentanyl overdose in a loved one, such as:

• abnormal breathing
• pinpoint pupils
• inability to stay conscious
• making choking or gurgling sounds
• clammy skin
• blue lips or fingernails

If you see these signs in another person, you may administer naloxone, a drug which can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone is available to Ohio citizens as the nasal spray Narcan.

Preventing Fentanyl Overdose

Preventing an opioid overdose before it happens can be effective in addressing the public health problem of fentanyl use. 

Harm reduction centers in Ohio offer fentanyl test strips, which can detect harmful traces of fentanyl in doses of illicit drugs. Education initiatives in the state can inform locals of the risks of fentanyl.

People who struggle with chronic fentanyl use may enter a drug abuse treatment program to reduce their risk of overdose, where they can receive methadone, buprenorphine, and behavioral healthcare services.

To find out if our synthetic opioid addiction treatment program works for you or your loved one, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.