As the opioid crisis continues to affect families across the country, it’s critical for parents and caregivers to stay informed about the dangers of fentanyl and the counterfeit pills that are often marketed as legitimate prescription medications. With drug traffickers using social media and e-commerce platforms to sell these deadly substances, young people are especially vulnerable. Here’s what you need to know about fentanyl, how teens are getting access to fake pills, and the deadly effects these substances can have on the body.
Recognizing Fentanyl and Street Names
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s many times stronger than morphine or heroin. It’s commonly mixed with other drugs to increase potency, but the danger is that even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal. Many teens are unaware they’re taking fentanyl because it’s often disguised as prescription pills. Some of the street names for fentanyl include:
- China White
- Apache
- Dance Fever
- Fent
- King Ivory
Teens may also refer to counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl using names associated with the legitimate prescription drugs they resemble, including:
- Percocet® (oxycodone)
- OxyContin® (oxycodone)
- Vicodin® (hydrocodone)
- Xanax® (alprazolam)
- Adderall® (amphetamines)
It’s important to remember that these pills may look almost identical to prescription medications, but they are fake and incredibly dangerous.
How Fake Pills are Sold to Teens
One of the most troubling aspects of the current drug crisis is how easily teens can access fake prescription pills. Criminal drug networks have turned smartphones into a platform for buying, selling, and delivering these drugs. Fake prescription pills are sold via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, and sometimes even through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
Teenagers, who often use social media to communicate, can easily fall prey to traffickers who exploit their online presence to make sales. Drug traffickers commonly advertise these pills using emojis, coded language, and images designed to lure young buyers into contacting them. Once a potential buyer expresses interest, a deal is arranged through direct messages or encrypted communication, making the drugs available for delivery right to the buyer’s door.
The alarming fact is that drug traffickers are using the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse to exploit vulnerable young people and make a profit. According to DEA lab testing, 5 out of every 10 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose.
The Deadly Effects of Fentanyl and Other Dangerous Drugs
While fentanyl misuse can create an intense, short-term high, it can also have devastating effects on the body. Some of the effects include:
- Slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure
- Nausea and fainting
- Severe respiratory depression, leading to death in cases of overdose
High doses of fentanyl can also result in coma, seizures, and even cardiovascular collapse. Overdose symptoms may include stupor, pinpoint pupils, cyanosis (bluish skin), and cold, clammy skin. Respiratory failure, which is common in fentanyl overdoses, can lead to death if untreated.
Other dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine, can also have life-threatening consequences. Symptoms of methamphetamine misuse may include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Agitation, anxiety, and paranoia
- Increased body temperature and risk of stroke
High doses of methamphetamine can lead to convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, and even death.
Protecting Your Teen: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent or caregiver, your role in protecting your family from the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills is crucial. Here are some tips to help you navigate this evolving crisis:
- Encourage open and honest communication. Start conversations about drugs early and make sure your child feels comfortable coming to you with any concerns or questions.
- Explain what fentanyl is and why it’s so dangerous. Make sure your teen understands that any pill obtained illegally, including those bought online or through social media, is unsafe.
- Stress not to take any pills that weren’t prescribed to them. Emphasize that no pill purchased on social media is safe and that even pills that look like prescription medications may contain dangerous substances like fentanyl.
- Create an “exit plan.” Help your child feel confident about what to do if they’re ever pressured to take drugs or if they find themselves in a risky situation. Make sure they know they can call you for help at any time.
- Stay informed about current drug threats. The drug landscape is changing rapidly. Keep up to date on emerging threats like fentanyl and counterfeit pills to ensure you’re prepared for informed discussions with your kids.
What You Can Do Now
At Lakeside Academy in Buffalo, MN, we understand the critical need for education and awareness in combating the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit substances. Our team is committed to providing resources and guidance in our Substance Abuse Treatment Program to help parents, caregivers, and teens make informed decisions.
Take action today by learning more about fentanyl and its effects. Talk to your teens about the dangers of fake pills and the role social media plays in the distribution of drugs. Together, we can protect the health and safety of the next generation.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s drug use or want to learn more about how we can help, contact Lakeside Academy today. We offer a range of programs designed to educate and support teens and families in overcoming the challenges posed by substance abuse.
Contact Lakeside Academy for resources, support, and programs to protect your teen from the dangers of drugs. Together, we can make a difference.