Dangers of Fentanyl & Opioids
Awareness, Prevention, and Life-Saving Resources for Families
Deaths caused by counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are increasing across the country and here in our own community. In Wichita Falls, we have tragically lost several young people to fentanyl-related poisonings, teenagers with hopes, dreams, and bright futures ahead of them. These losses continue to deeply affect the families and loved ones left behind.
As a precautionary measure, Naloxone (Narcan) is available at every WFISD campus, and district nursing staff are trained to administer it in the event of an emergency.
Many teens are purchasing what they believe to be prescription medications such as OxyContin, Percocet, or Xanax through social media platforms. In reality, drug dealers are often manufacturing counterfeit pills using fentanyl, a cheaper, stronger, and far more dangerous synthetic opioid, to increase profits.
Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it impossible to detect without testing. Teens often do not know what they are taking. One pill can be fatal.
Dealers may also lace pills and other items, including gummy candies and other brightly colored products, with fentanyl. These products can be especially appealing to teenagers and young adults.
These counterfeit pills are often made so convincingly that even experienced users cannot tell the difference between a fake pill and one produced by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. However, these are not pharmaceutical-grade medications. They are illicitly produced, often outside the country, with no quality control standards. Even pills from the same batch may contain dangerously different amounts of fentanyl.
A lethal dose of fentanyl can be as small as two grains of sand.
Local investigators have identified advertisements and sales occurring through social media platforms such as Snapchat. Officials note that these pills may seem appealing because they are inexpensive, appear more socially acceptable than drugs like methamphetamine or heroin, and do not carry the noticeable smell associated with alcohol or marijuana.
What Parents Need to Know
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but significantly more potent. While it can be legally prescribed by a physician to manage severe pain, it is also frequently produced and distributed illegally.
Illegal fentanyl may be sold in several forms, including:
- powder
- blotter paper
- eye droppers
- nasal sprays
- counterfeit pills made to resemble prescription medications
- occasionally in vaping devices commonly used for nicotine or marijuana products
Some dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs because only a very small amount is needed to produce a high, making it less expensive to manufacture and distribute. This greatly increases the risk of overdose because individuals often do not realize fentanyl is present.
How to Recognize a Possible Fentanyl Overdose
Warning signs may include:
- inability to wake the person or lack of movement
- slow, shallow, or absent breathing
- blue or gray discoloration of lips and nails
- choking, coughing, or gurgling sounds
- cold or clammy skin
- dizziness or confusion
- extremely small pupils
If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and remain with the person until emergency responders arrive.
If you are concerned that your child may be using fentanyl or other opioids, please contact your family physician, school administrator, school counselor, or school resource officer.
Fast Facts About Opioids
- Opioids affect the brain: They impact the areas of the brain that control pain and emotion, making it difficult to experience pleasure from anything other than the drug.
- Opioids affect the body: They slow essential body functions, including breathing and heart rate.
- Opioids can be deadly: Even a single dose can slow or stop breathing. The risk increases when combined with alcohol or sedatives.
- Opioids are highly addictive: Repeated use often leads to tolerance, meaning larger or more frequent doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
- Opioid addiction is treatable: Help is available. Please contact your family physician or school counselor for support and resources.