World Drug Day: Dealing with drug addiction | thehealthsite.com. https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/dealing-with-drug-addiction-12094/
The use of fentanyl has become increasingly prevalent in schools across the country, yet many students remain unaware of its significant dangers.
Studies have proven that the slightest amount of fentanyl can be fatal due to its potent anesthetic properties, commonly used as a painkiller. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a narcotic similar to morphine, but is 50-100 times more powerful.
The surge in fentanyl use in recent years has become one of the leading causes of fentanyl overdose or death. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of what they are consuming or where it came from. The age-old advice of "Don't take candy from strangers" holds true as young adolescents are often tempted to accept food or candy from strangers without verifying the source or contents, putting them in extreme danger. However, the causes of fentanyl overdose aren’t limited to peer pressure and may include personal desire, where adolescents make the choice to take part in such behaviors.
Dr. Hirsch, a child's health expert, has stated, "We can help protect kids against drug use by giving them the facts before they find themselves in a risky situation. This can make them less likely to experiment with drugs or rely on friends for answers.” In other words, to combat the dangerous effects of fentanyl, parents should work alongside educators to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl and promote safe behavior. By providing factual information and guidance, adolescents will be more conscious of the world around them, allowing them to make better choices.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 1). Fentanyl. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl
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Samhsa's national helpline: Samhsa - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, December 19). Fentanyl. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/fentanyl
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