Unfortunately, Fentanyl is becoming more common in our community, and it's important for us to know about it and take steps to stay safe.
Fentanyl is a highly potent and inexpensive opioid. It can be found in different forms, including pills, powder, and liquid.
Young people may unknowingly buy drugs they believe to be something else, but often these other substances are mixed with fentanyl, which can be deadly.
Fentanyl or fentanyl-laced substances are typically sold online via websites, social media like Snapchat, or through friends. Because of advanced technology and accessibility, many substances can be available for anyone with a smartphone — including children and teens.
The physical symptoms of fentanyl misuse will resemble the symptoms of misuse of other opioids and substances such as
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression, or slow and ineffective breathing
- Slurred speech
- Pinpoint pupils
- Erratic behavior
- Agitation
- Exhaustion or lethargy
Recognizing Signs of Overdose:
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Blue or grayish skin, especially around the lips or fingertips
- Constricted pupils
- Slow or erratic pulse
It’s better to have tough conversations about substance misuse with your kids early rather than having to intervene after they have begun misusing substances. Keep an open dialogue. Ask your children questions and listen without judgment.
- Pay attention to their mood, behavior, and social circles. Sudden changes should be met with curiosity and not criticism.
- Store any medications that could be misused out of sight and discard any unused medications.
- Educate your children about the dangers of opioids and other illicit drugs.
Unfortunately, Fentanyl is becoming more common in our community, and it's important for us to know about it and take steps to stay safe.
Fentanyl is a highly potent and inexpensive opioid. It can be found in different forms, including pills, powder, and liquid.
Young people may unknowingly buy drugs they believe to be something else, but often these other substances are mixed with fentanyl, which can be deadly.
Fentanyl or fentanyl-laced substances are typically sold online via websites, social media like Snapchat, or through friends. Because of advanced technology and accessibility, many substances can be available for anyone with a smartphone — including children and teens.
The physical symptoms of fentanyl misuse will resemble the symptoms of misuse of other opioids and substances such as
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression, or slow and ineffective breathing
- Slurred speech
- Pinpoint pupils
- Erratic behavior
- Agitation
- Exhaustion or lethargy
Recognizing Signs of Overdose:
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Blue or grayish skin, especially around the lips or fingertips
- Constricted pupils
- Slow or erratic pulse
It’s better to have tough conversations about substance misuse with your kids early rather than having to intervene after they have begun misusing substances. Keep an open dialogue. Ask your children questions and listen without judgment.
- Pay attention to their mood, behavior, and social circles. Sudden changes should be met with curiosity and not criticism.
- Store any medications that could be misused out of sight and discard any unused medications.
- Educate your children about the dangers of opioids and other illicit drugs.
Reminders: School Site Council Meeting Tuesday, December 12th at 4:00pm in the library.
Obsidian Middle School Drama, Yoga and Art Performance is Friday, December 15th at 5:00pm in the OMS CEC.