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What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50-100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Fentanyl can be made to look like candy.
Start a conversation at home!
- Don't dominate the conversation, be willing to listen.
- Set clear expectations about drug and alcohol use.
- Develop strategies to deal with peer pressure.
- Know where your child is and know their friends.
- Don't ignore the signs.
Understanding the Silent Killer
Fentanyl is a deadly street drug circulating in the U.S. One small dose of street fentanyl can result in death.
SIX SIGNS PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF
Monitor Social Media
Most of the fentanyl pills and powder are being sold on social media platforms. Common apps such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, etc. should be actively monitored for any signs of dealers reaching out to your child. Different lingo is used to solicit buyers with phrases such as "M30, percs, blues, tango, cash, and xannie bars."
Be Aware of their Social Circle
Know who your children are associating with outside of the home. Look for changes in friend groups or certain behaviors. People who are under the influence of fentanyl do not have objective signs of intoxication that are common with other substances.
Signs and Symptoms
Look for signs such as drowsiness, sedation, confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, pin-point pupils, change in sleeping patterns, lack of good hygiene, and falling grades. Often young adults are found deceased from fentanyl poisoning while they are laying in their beds, where family members believed they were just sleeping.
Naloxone aka "Narcan"
This medication is used to reverse an opioid/fentanyl overdose and if administered timely, can prevent death. Designated school staff have been trained in the proper use and administration of Narcan in an emergency situation.
Influence of Vaping & Marijuana Use
Vaping and marijuana use cause anxiety based on the higher THC levels found in marijuana today. This increased anxiety leads the user to seek out drugs such as Xanax. Sadly, the Xanax they receive is a fake one laced with fentanyl.
Cash App
Users purchase drugs using cash apps such as Venmo and Zelle. The average price for a counterfeit pill is $20. Parents should monitor all cash apps and should be aware that dealers will often deliver the pill(s), which are easily concealed, directly to the user's home and simply drop it off in a location where it is undetected and easily accessible to the user.
If you believe your child may be struggling with drug use, reach out to your school for additional resources, or use the QR code.
If you suspect your child has consumed drugs, call 911 immediately.
