Fentanyl is public enemy number one. It is imperative that we inform our teens about fentanyl, its dangers, and about naloxone, the antidote to a fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is so dangerous because it is odorless, colorless, and impossible to detect with the naked eye when laced with another drug.
Drug cartels add fentanyl, a synthetic opiate mixed with many illicit drugs to make them more potent and addictive. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Just a few grains of fentanyl are lethal. Kids succumbing to fentanyl poisoning die accidentally because they took illicit drugs without knowing they are laced with fentanyl.
A dealer may supply fentanyl-laced pills to several kids in each social group, which, in turn, can result in multiple fentanyl poisonings in the same teen group. Teens may use creative means to acquire drugs, using their peer network to obtain illicit street drugs.
Apps such as WhatsApp or Snapchat are commonly used to purchase drugs. Watch for signs of substance use and opioid use disorder, be informed, get help, and be proactive! Because fentanyl poisoning is now the LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG 18-45-YEAR-OLD Americans. Contact us for information.