Opioid/Fentanyl Information
Understanding the Dangers of Opioids and Fentanyl
Opioid misuse is a serious issue that affects communities across the nation, including ours. Opioids are powerful pain relievers prescribed by doctors, but when misused, they can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.
Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous synthetic opioid. It’s 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is often mixed with other drugs without the user's knowledge. Just a small amount can be deadly.
Key Facts:
- Addiction: Opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl, are highly addictive.
- Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is responsible for a significant increase in overdose deaths due to its potency.
- Prevention: It's crucial to educate ourselves and our children about the risks of opioids and to seek help if needed.
How to Protect Our Community:
- Talk openly with your children about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl.
- Keep prescription medications secure and properly dispose of them when no longer needed.
- Recognize the signs of misuse, such as changes in behavior, drowsiness, or confusion.
- If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid misuse, seek help immediately.
One Pill Can Kill
Any pill you get from a friend or buy off the street might contain fentanyl.
Only take medication prescribed by a doctor, bought at a pharmacy, and approved by your parents or guardians.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS OVERDOSING:
It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat the situation like an overdose— you could save a life.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer Naloxone or Narcan, if available.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with them until emergency workers arrive
