Overdoses Involving Drugs Mixed With Fentanyl Up In Georgia: Officials

ATLANTA, GA — Overdoses involving drugs mixed with fentanyl are on the rise in Georgia, state health officials warned.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Drug Surveillance Unit, it has received increased reports of overdoses throughout the state over the past month.

Between early February and mid-March, health officials said at least 66 emergency department visits involved the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack, heroin, pain killers and cannabis products that were likely laced with fentanyl.

Officials said patients described extreme reactions to drugs. One patient reported taking a Percocet and went unresponsive. Other patients were seen for a stimulant overdose but had a positive response to naloxone. Naloxone is administered to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

Officials said fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing in Georgia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased 106.2 percent compared to the same time period the previous year.

Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be made illegally and found in all types of street drugs, not just opioids. It is important to know that it is possible to have an opioid overdose from a stimulant (e.g., cocaine) that is laced with fentanyl.

Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
• Limp body
• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing
• Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin
• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Slow or no heartbeat

Drugs that contain fentanyl cannot be detected by sight or smell, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. If you have a drug that was not prescribed for you, be aware it could contain fentanyl, health officials warned.

If you suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose and stay with the individual until help arrives.

Georgia has a medical amnesty law that protects individuals who may be experiencing an overdose and callers seeking medical attention for drug overdoses.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can be obtained from pharmacies in Georgia without a prescription under a standing order from the commissioner.

For access to services and immediate crisis help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225. It is available 24/7.