Fentanyl Crisis in Texas

Last Updated: Sunday, 11 May 2025
Authored by Marcel Gemme

Year after year, fentanyl has contributed to countless overdose deaths in Texas. In 2018, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, deaths involving synthetic opioids remained steady, with 358 reported deaths. In 2019, according to Texas Health Data, synthetic opioids were connected to 381 overdose deaths. The top five counties hardest hit were Harris, Dallas, Travis, El Paso, and Bexar Counties. In 2019, the National Public Radio reported that fentanyl-related drug overdose deaths were up 113% on average each year from 2013 to 2016. Cheap fentanyl is added to illicit drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.

Table of Contents

Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids are Driving the Opioid Epidemic in Texas

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. When someone overdoses on fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop, decreasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain causing hypoxia. Hypoxia leads to coma, permanent brain damage, and even death. Drug dealers in Texas are mixing cheaper fentanyl with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine.

According to the DEA, illicit fentanyl is one of the primary drugs fueling the epidemic of overdose deaths across the nation. In 2019, 26% of illicit fentanyl tablets contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, which increased from 14% and 10% the two years prior. Overall, overdose deaths involving fentanyl continue to rise. The recent increase in drug overdose mortality began in 2019 and continued into 2020, with the pandemic fueling the problem. Synthetic opioids have been the primary driver in the rise in overdose deaths in Texas. According to the CDC, nationally, the 12-month count of synthetic opioid deaths increased by 38.4% from 12 months ending June 2019, compared with the 12 months ending in May 2020.

Problems with fentanyl overdose in Texas are connected to people using multiple drugs. Most addicts became addicted to pain medication through a prescription, eventually leading to street drug addiction. However, polysubstance use is more common where drug users use combinations of drugs and use drugs laced with fentanyl. People of all ages, races, and ethnicities in Texas are being impacted by fentanyl.

The drug is found in the suburbs, rural areas, and farming communities across the state. In addition, it continues to grow in use within urban cities at alarming rates. However, the fentanyl problem has been growing in Texas long before it was making regular news headlines. According to the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, reports between June 2019 and May 2020, there was more than a 50% increase in synthetic opioid deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

Texas lawmakers brought forward legislation that criminalizes the sale or delivery of fentanyl. In addition, the state budgeted hundreds of millions of dollars for substance use treatment, opioid use prevention programs, and increased access to medication-assisted treatment. Early intervention is crucial to prevent fentanyl overdose because of the risk of street drugs laced with fentanyl. Substance use treatment and medical detox or an opioid treatment program in Texas are the most effective rehabilitation options.

Post Views: 0

Sources and Further Reading

Products – Vital Statistics Rapid Release – Provisional Drug Overdose Data – CDC

The CDC's Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts provide monthly estimates of overdose deaths across the U.S., helping track trends and reporting delays. This page explores state-by-state data, predictive adjustments, and drug-specific statistics, offering insights into the evolving crisis. Visit the page to explore the latest overdose data and public health analysis.

Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S. Up 30% in 2020 – CDC

Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. rose by 30% in 2020, with opioids, fentanyl, and methamphetamine driving the increase. This report explores national trends, state-by-state data, and the impact of synthetic drugs, offering insights into the evolving crisis. Visit the page to learn more about the latest overdose statistics.

Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses Across the United States Driven by Synthetic Opioids Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic – County of Los Angeles Public Health

Explore the CDC's Health Advisory on the alarming rise in synthetic opioid overdose deaths, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This official report highlights critical trends, geographic shifts, and essential strategies for prevention and response. Visit the page to understand the evolving crisis and the steps communities can take to save lives.

Fentanyl DrugFacts – National Institute on Drug Abuse

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, with high overdose risks. This page explores its medical use, illegal production, effects on the brain, and addiction treatment options, offering crucial insights into the fentanyl crisis. Visit the page to learn more about fentanyl's impact and safety measures.

DEA Releases 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment – United States Drug Enforcement Administration

The 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment highlights the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, opioid abuse, and the rise of fentanyl in the U.S. This report explores the impact of transnational criminal organizations, shifting drug trends, and enforcement efforts, offering insights into the nation's fight against illicit substances. Visit the page to learn more about the latest drug threat findings.

Governor Abbott Ceremonially Signs Anti-Fentanyl Legislation Into Law In Houston – Office of the Texas Governor

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 768 into law, enhancing criminal penalties for the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl in the state. This legislation aims to combat the rising overdose crisis by imposing stricter sentencing guidelines for fentanyl-related offenses. Visit the page to learn more about Texas' efforts to address the fentanyl epidemic.

Governor Abbott Highlights Texas' Efforts To Crack Down On Fentanyl – Office of the Texas Governor

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, highlighting Senate Bill 768, which establishes felony penalties for manufacturing or delivering fentanyl. This page explores Texas' border security efforts, rising overdose statistics, and law enforcement strategies, offering insights into the state's fight against the fentanyl crisis. Visit the page to learn more about Texas' approach to combating fentanyl.

Overdose Deaths Spike In Texas During 2020, Pandemic: CDC – Patch

Overdose deaths in Texas spiked by nearly 32% in 2020, reflecting a nationwide surge during the pandemic. This page explores statewide trends, contributing factors, and expert insights on the crisis, highlighting the role of fentanyl and other substances. Visit the page to learn more about the impact of overdose deaths in Texas.

Amid The Pandemic, Another Crisis Worsens – Texas A&M University

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the opioid crisis, leading to a surge in overdose deaths across the U.S. This article explores how isolation, disrupted treatment access, and increased stress have contributed to rising opioid misuse, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Visit the page to learn more about the challenges and solutions in addressing this growing public health crisis.

Marcel Gemme Author

Marcel Gemme brings his work in addiction recovery to everything he writes. He started at a residential treatment center in 2000, where he worked across intake, withdrawal support, and the different phases of rehabilitation. Since then, he has personally guided thousands of individuals and families through the placement process, with particular experience helping people find treatment across the United States and Canada. He has also been in personal recovery since 1987. That combination of professional work and lived experience shapes every article he contributes.

›