Substance abuse prevention organizations say the key to saving lives from accidental drug overdoses is education.

“I have to make sure we keep all kids safe and healthy, and let them grow up and try to have the most prosperous, great life that they can lead,” said Kate Chudoba, marketing communications manager at Western New York United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

Erie County health officials warned Thursday that the medical examiner’s office reported its first death due to an overdose of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid used to sedate large animals which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It can be used by drug dealers to lace other drugs and make them stronger and more addicting.

“Nobody wants to become addicted to anything. And unfortunately, you know, these opioids are so addictive that people may think that they’re just experimenting or trying something,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County commissioner of health. “They may think that they’re using cocaine and not even realize that they’re using an opioid.” 

Health officials recommend never using drugs alone, always having naloxone on hand and calling 911 in the event of a possible overdose. Carfentanil may require multiple doses of naloxone due to its potency. 

Over the years, the opioid epidemic in New York has evolved and impacted older people.

“We have to change our messaging to make sure we’re getting to the 40s, 50s, 60s, even the senior population,” said Chudoba. “We have to make sure we’re meeting them where they are and getting the messaging and making sure we’re reaching our target audience. So we did a great job, we saved a lot of lives, you know, in our younger demographics. Now we need to shift and really focus on our older demographics.”

Those who are seeking substance abuse treatment can call 1-800-662-4357. People who intend to use can also call the Never Use Alone hotline at 1-877-696-1996.