HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl claimed the lives of more than 74,700 people in 2023. Experts say it's time to start educating people to bring that number down. Its data stated that, between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of opioid overdoses and deaths involving fentanyl went up by 95%. Dr. Marquitta Duvernay, a senior lead on comprehensive addiction treatment services at Inova Health in northern Virginia, said that while the number of people abusing drugs has gone down, what matters is that the drugs they're abusing have gotten more lethal. “We've had an infusion of drugs that are containing fentanyl which are supporting or leading to overdose,” Duvernay said.This is also why Duvernay is concerned about cannabis. Its legal status has a domino effect, she said. More people using it can lead to increased illegal production."The impact of cannabis, when you're purchasing cannabis, not purchasing cannabis from legal entities, can also lead to a potential death because cannabis, just like any other pill — and I'm saying pill form — can also contain fentanyl,” Duvernay said.Experts say any drug you buy without a prescription has the possibility of containing fentanyl. And with such a small amount being capable of killing, just one pill can do the job. But educating others is the key. She said social media may be leading the way.“Individuals are sharing their experiences now using social media," Duvernay said. "We're learning from social media. I think we're more open now as a community to talk about addiction." Narcan is saving the lives of people who overdose, and experts say it’s a good idea to carry it, even if you don’t take drugs. For information on how you can get Narcan for free, visit https://www.thecaf.org/.