Bethenny Frankel Calls Opioids 'Most Dangerous Weapon' You Can Have in Home

Bethenny Frankel recently said she felt opioids are the "most dangerous weapon" people can have in their homes.

During Tuesday's episode of her Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcast, the Real Housewives of New York City alum, 51, recalled a horrible experience while taking a powerful painkiller for a "splitting, splitting migraine."

"I want to talk about painkillers because they're killing so many people in the country," Frankel said on the episode, revealing she has "a little container" with past "prescription meds in it" for emergency use.

The mom of one—who shares daughter Bryn Hoppy with ex-husband Jason Hoppy—added that "the closest thing I could find" to migraine medication was "Tylenol with codeine."

Frankel explained that someone she works with "cut" the pill "into pieces" before she took just "one-fifth" of it to "take the edge off."

"I could feel myself dissolving as a human being," she said. "I have to tell you, I took a fifth of this f***ing thing, and I dissolved. I dissolved into the night. I passed out," Frankel admitted, noting she napped for an hour and a half, "which I never do."

"I can't even imagine an adult taking this in any capacity, even with the worst possible pain, can't even imagine it, much less teenagers that are dealing this s*** and taking it recreationally. It's so f***ing dangerous," she said.

At the time, Frankel was watching a Halloween movie with her daughter, 12, but Frankel said she was "incapable of interacting" with her.

"I felt bad, and I missed the time with her," she said, before giving advice to fellow parents about their children.

"Police them, look in their drawers, go in their bathroom, go in their underwear. I don't care what you do," Frankel said.

Frankel went on to call the drug "toxic poison," admitting she "felt guilty" for ingesting a small piece.

"I'm aware of how dangerous this is for our society. It's frightening. I took a fifth and I was incapacitated," Frankel said. "It is so powerful and so dangerous. It's the most dangerous weapon I can ever imagine being in someone's house. The most. It's why it's a killer in this country. I cannot say it enough."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website, "overdose deaths involving opioids increased from an estimated 70,029 in 2020 to 80,816 in 2021."

"Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl), psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, and cocaine also continued to increase in 2021 compared to 2020," the CDC website added.

It's important to note that you should consult with your doctor before taking any kind of medication. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's hotline at 1-800-662-4357.