Doctors: Assume all illegal drugs are laced with fentanyl, other poisonous substances

The authors of this piece will take part in Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: "What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?" 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center.

Emily Kauffman, Krisanna Deppen, Brian Pierson and Erin McKnight

Guest columnists

As healthcare professionals — and as parents and residents — we’re extremely concerned by the fentanyl we’re seeing in the illicit drug supply.

Anyone who purchases what they think is cocaine, Adderall, Oxycontin, Percocet, or another hallucinogen or stimulant — even some vape pens — online or on the street should assume that it contains fentanyl or another poisonous substance to “boost its power.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid.

Columbus Conversation planned about opioid overdose crisis

How to attend: Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: "What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?" 6 p.m. Wednesday

It can be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and is undetectable by sight, smell and taste. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl, the equivalent of a few grains of sand, can kill a person.

More:Drug users can test for fentanyl

Nearly 90% of overdose deaths in Franklin County involve fentanyl. If you use any street drugs or purchase pills online, arm yourself with test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl (see accompanying story for places to get them).

Dr. Emily Kauffman is a Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center emergency medicine physician. Dr. Krisanna Deppen is OhioHealth Grant Addiction Medicine Fellowship program director. Brian Pierson is Mount Carmel Health System Community health and well-being vice president. Dr. Erin McKnight is Nationwide Children’s Hospital Medication Assisted Treatment for Addiction Program vice president. They will take part in Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: "What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?" 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center Conference Theater, 2400 Olentangy River Road.

While opioids have been getting a lot of attention lately, a new report finds there's still much work to do to end the nation's problems with addiction. [KEITH SRAKOCIC/ASSOCIATED PRESS]