The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about the rise of a drug deadlier than fentanyl: carfentanil.
This synthetic opioid, originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals, is now driving a surge in overdose deaths across the United States.
A mere two milligrams, barely perceptible to the unaided eye, can cause the death of 50 individuals. Between January and June 2023, there were 29 carfentanil-related deaths.
By the same period in 2024, this number had skyrocketed to 238, a 720% increase, according to the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS). Preliminary data suggests the actual toll may be even higher due to delays in reporting.
While drug overdose deaths overall have been declining since 2023, the prevalence of illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs), including carfentanil, continues to drive the majority of these fatalities. IMFs were linked to nearly 70% of all U.S. overdose deaths in 2024, with carfentanil’s reemergence pointing to the dangers of the illegal drug market.
Carfentanil’s extreme potency makes it particularly hazardous.
It can cause respiratory failure almost instantly, even in tiny amounts. It is often mixed with other substances like cocaine, benzodiazepines, or heroin, significantly increasing the risk of accidental overdose. Sometimes, it is pressed into pills that resemble legitimate prescription medications, making it even harder to detect.
In its powdered form, carfentanil can also be inhaled, which poses risks to individuals who may unknowingly come into contact with it.
According to Dr. Chris Tuell, an addiction specialist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, the synthetic nature of carfentanil makes it easier to manufacture in illicit labs compared to plant-based drugs like heroin.
Carfentanil appeals to drug users with high tolerances to opioids, as they often seek stronger substances to achieve the desired effects. For drug dealers, its high profitability is a major factor driving its prevalence. “Very small amounts can produce thousands of doses,” Dr. Tuell said.
The CDC is advocating for robust monitoring and increased prevention initiatives in order to mitigate the increasing threat of carfentanil. These include improving access to treatment for substance use disorders, distributing risk reduction tools, and raising public awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids.
Parents play a critical role in protecting children from the risks of illicit drugs by fostering open communication and education about the dangers of drug use. Monitoring children’s social circles and online activities, along with addressing potential mental health issues, can help reduce the likelihood of substance use.
The CDC’s warning highlights the severity of the drug crisis in America. It is imperative that individuals, families, and communities remain informed and take action to prevent the recurrence of tragedies, as carfentanil continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. With proper action and awareness, the devastating impact of this deadly drug can be reduced.