Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically to treat severe pain and distributed illicitly for misuse—increasingly mixed into heroin or cocaine.
Drug dealers have been pressing fentanyl into pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioids. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. Along with fake pills drug traffickers are now starting to lace brightly colored candy gear towards youth and increasing substance use in our communities!
What can you do
- Dispose of expired or unused medications at a permanent disposal location
- Only use medication from a licensed pharmacy
- Look out for brightly colored pills, homemade candy, or any substance not in its original packaging.
- Talk to youth about your expectations and the dangers of substance use. Check out our HIPS Training on how to start these conversations!
Learn More
DHS Dose of Reality
DEA Facts about Fentanyl
CDC Fentanyl Facts
What is Naloxone
How to Use Naloxone
One Pill Can Kill