What Parents Should Know About North State’s Rising Fentanyl Problem

Courtesy of Shasta County Health & Human Services Agency and Mister Brown of The Choose Well Program

Across the nation, fentanyl-related overdoses are increasing at an alarming rate. And, youth are not immune. A common and tragic story occurring across our country involves an unsuspecting teen buying a counterfeit pill on social media sites, such as Snapchat, and then suffering a fatal overdose.

One pill can kill

The saying that, “One pill can kill” is an unfortunate truth. It has taken many bright and promising youth away from their family and friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 150 people die daily from overdoses related to fentanyl. It is now the leading cause of death for adults 18-45 years old. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, more people died from fentanyl-related deaths last year than gun and automobile-related deaths combined.

Fentanyl is a synthetic, or manmade, opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Opioids, including some prescription medications, fentanyl and heroin, act on receptors in the brain to relieve pain, but they have other effects as well including slower breathing and heart rates. Amounts as low as 2 mg, which is comparable to a few grains of sand, is enough to cause a fatal overdose.

Fentanyl can be found in every street drug

Due to fentanyl’s relatively low cost and addictiveness, it is increasingly replacing drugs like heroin and being combined with many different types of street drugs and counterfeit pills. You cannot see, taste or smell fentanyl. People who suffer overdoses often are not even aware they consumed fentanyl.

Shasta Community Health Center’s Dr. Doug McMullin helps treat people with addiction. He wants parents to know, “Fentanyl is highly addictive, and the dealers know it. Most drugs are being laced with fentanyl, such as heroin, methamphetamine and even some sources of marijuana.” Counterfeit pills that may look exactly like Xanax, Oxycontin, or other pills also often contain fentanyl.

The only way to reverse an overdose from fentanyl or other opioids is by administering naloxone; often called Narcan. Naloxone is available without a prescription at pharmacies. Even if you aren’t at risk of an overdose, carrying it may help you to save someone who is. For those who are already struggling with addiction, it is important to talk to a doctor or a treatment program because recovering from addiction is possible and it saves lives.

Having conversations with your kids about drugs

It is more important than ever to talk to your kids and teens and educate them about the danger of drugs and alcohol. Explain to them that lethal amounts of fentanyl can be found in any drug or medication that doesn’t come from their doctor or pharmacy.

Mister Brown, a California based motivational speaker with more than 20 years of experience, speaks regularly with groups of school children about a wide range of topics, including drug use, as part of The Choose Well Program.

“The conversation between parents and kids needs to start way before the age where drugs may come into play, he says. “I think it starts when they are young and when parents are willing to talk to them about anything, everything and even nothing. Our kids inherently trust us and, when those communication lines are kept open, we know that there is a good chance they will keep coming to us with tough issues even when they are adults. Make yourself simply available and the conversations will happen.

“This all is pertinent for talking about the dangers of fentanyl use and other drugs. If someone offers our kids an illegal substance, they are not to be trusted. They don’t care about our kids or their wellbeing. Money is the only important thing.”

Have the conversation more than once and start now

“Have this conversation with them more than once and be willing to answer their questions. Kids might see their friends doing drugs but they don’t always see the harmful after-affects when the high is over and they are left feeling worse than when they started. The bottom line is — parents need to start the conversations now.  Put in the time to have open lines of communication with your children.”

It is also important to help youth avoid becoming addicted to legally prescribed medications because it can lead to dangerous drug-seeking behavior. For parents who have medications in the home, safely store them where youth cannot find them and dispose of unused medications at medication disposal kiosk sites in your area. To find medication disposal sites near you call your local pharmacy or public health department.

The fentanyl drug death epidemic is a reality

Our country is in an unprecedented drug death epidemic due to fentanyl. It is important to prepare our youth for this new reality. Let them know that one pill or one time trying a new drug, can end a life. When talking to your youth about drugs and alcohol, let them know:

• You disapprove of using substances
• You care about their success and wellness
• You’re a good source of information on the topic
• You’re paying attention, and will help build their skills for avoiding drugs and alcohol.

For more information on fentanyl and overdose prevention, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose
http://www.dea.gov: DEA Warns of Increase in Mass-Overdose Events Involving Deadly Fentanyl