As students return to classrooms across Florida, experts at Footprints Beachside Recovery Center are warning parents and educators about a troubling rise in counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl circulating in schools and colleges.
Rehab Assessment
- Talk openly about the risks. Make sure students understand that pills purchased outside a pharmacy, including from friends or social media, can be deadly.
- Watch for warning signs. Sudden changes in behavior, secretive activity, or physical symptoms like drowsiness may signal drug use.
- Secure medications at home. Lock up prescription drugs to prevent misuse.
- Encourage peer support. Teens are more likely to avoid drugs when friends share the same commitment to safety.“With overdoses on the rise, education is one of our best defenses,” Templeton added. “Parents and teachers have an opportunity to create an open dialogue that may save lives.”
FAQs
Why are fentanyl-laced pills dangerous for teens?
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid, and even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose.
How can you tell if a pill is laced with fentanyl?
You can’t really tell, not reliably. Because fake pills can look very similar to prescription medicines. The safest approach is to only take medicine that was prescribed by a healthcare professional and is provided by a licensed pharmacy
Why is fentanyl showing up in counterfeit pills?
Illegal producers sometimes use fentanyl because it’s potent and it can be added cheaply to counterfeit pills made to resemble other medications, like oxycodone, or Xanax.
What should parents know about fentanyl-laced pills?
Parents should talk about the idea that pills picked up from friends, social media, or unlicensed online sellers may be counterfeit, even when they look convincing.
What are the signs of fentanyl poisoning?
Common warning signs include extreme drowsiness, not being able to wake someone up, slow breathing or breathing that stops, choking or gurgling sounds, pinpoint pupils, and pale, blue, or clammy skin.
