What is Fentanyl? How parents can protect their kids from it.
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extracted from University Hospitals Science of Health
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control in 2021,
77% of all teen overdose deaths involved fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is legally prescribed for severe pain, but it is also found in many illicit drugs, such as counterfeit pills that are manufactured to resemble prescription drugs.
2 mg of fentanyl = a lethal dose. 100 times more potent than morphine. That is equal to 10-12 grains of table salt.
Most counterfeit pills resemble prescription oxycodone 30 mg pills (M30s), but they can also mimic other medications, such as Adderall and Xanax. Fentanyl also can be found in cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Teens and adults who take illicit drugs often aren’t aware the substances are laced with fentanyl.
How Can Parents Protect Their Kids From Fentanyl?
Keep all medications up and away from children.Teach young children to not put anything in their mouths unless a trusted adult says it’s okay.
Talk to your children about drugs in general, and the extreme dangers of taking pills not prescribed to them. Share with them the trends and dangers related to fentanyl-laced substances. A significant number of high school and college students purchase from dark web drug markets or through social media. They often believe they are purchasing Adderall or Xanax, which may be tainted with fentanyl.
Look out for the signs of opioid overdose or poisoning. Children and teens who ingest fentanyl can become sleepy or lose consciousness completely. Their breathing becomes very shallow and weak. They can become limp and have a significant decrease in their heart rates and blood pressure. Their pupils often become constricted. They can have a change of color, appearing extremely pale and/or having blue lips.”
If you need help with your child who is currently using or you are suspicious of using Fentanyl or other opioid type drugs, California Youth Services can help.
Contact us today to learn how California Youth Services can help with your teens drug prevention or intervention.
