The Odds are that if you buy pills or other illicit drugs online or from a dealer, they will be laced with a deadly dose of Fentanyl. According to a 2022 DEA study, six out of 10 fake pills seized by the DEA contained Fentanyl. These were some of the facts highlighted today by several statewide organizations announcing the launch of Odds Are Alabama, a campaign to bring awareness to Alabamians on the dangers and prevalence of illicit Fentanyl.

Odds Are Alabama will heighten awareness of the dangers, and provide information regarding help for people with substance use disorders, along with information about medication that can reverse an overdose and strips to test drugs for Fentanyl.

According to the DEA, Illicit drug manufacturers are lacing other drugs like cocaine and marijuana with Fentanyl and manufacturing fake pills that include the drug to ensure that users are hooked on the first try. Because a lethal dose of Fentanyl is only about two milligrams, equivalent to a few grains of salt, it’s becoming increasingly common for users to overdose.

“The surge of illicit Fentanyl is driving overdose deaths to their highest level ever,” said Julia Boothe, MD, president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. “Fake pills containing Fentanyl are everywhere in Alabama. They look identical to real medicine, but you won’t know until it’s too late.”

For more information visit www.OddsAreAlabama.org.