Why Fentanyl is so Dangerous & Hard to Spot | Fentanyl Abuse | Fentanyl Overdose | AAP

Summary

A pediatrician discusses the alarming rise in overdose deaths among teens, particularly due to fentanyl, a potent opioid that is often found in counterfeit pills sold on the street. The pediatrician highlights how fentanyl is much more potent than heroin, making it easy to overdose. Teens are urged to reach out to trusted adults or healthcare professionals for help. The pediatrician also emphasizes the importance of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and offers support for those struggling with addiction, connecting them to appropriate treatments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Overdose deaths among teenagers more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 Three-quarters of overdose deaths in teenagers are now caused by fentanyl.
• 😀 Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, making it much easier to overdose.
• 😀 Many street pills are counterfeit, often made with fentanyl, and you can't know what you're getting.
• 😀 The rise of counterfeit pills has led to a significant increase in teen overdose deaths.
• 😀 Pediatricians can provide naloxone, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose.
• 😀 Pediatricians can help teens and families access treatment if someone is struggling with addiction.
• 😀 It is crucial for teens to reach out to a trusted adult if they or someone they know is using opioids.
• 😀 Trusted adults can help connect individuals to health professionals like pediatricians for support.
• 😀 Seeking help early can prevent further harm, including life-threatening overdoses.
• 😀 Naloxone is an essential tool in overdose prevention and should be available to those at risk of opioid use.

Q & A

What are some of the substances that teens and young adults struggle with?

Teens and young adults struggle with various substances, ranging from nicotine and alcohol to more dangerous drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and stimulants.

How did overdose deaths change during the COVID pandemic?

Overdose deaths more than doubled during the COVID pandemic, highlighting a significant increase in substance-related issues during this time.

What percentage of overdose deaths in teenagers are caused by fentanyl?

Three-quarters of all overdose deaths in teenagers are now caused by fentanyl.

How potent is fentanyl compared to heroin?

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, making it extremely easy to overdose on.

Why is fentanyl particularly dangerous for teens?

Fentanyl is particularly dangerous for teens because it is highly potent, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are often sold on the street, making it difficult for teens to know what they are actually consuming.

What is the issue with pills being sold on the street?

The pills sold on the street are often counterfeit, made in someone's home using a pill press, and may contain fentanyl. This makes them incredibly dangerous, as people may unknowingly take a highly potent substance.

What is naloxone, and how does it work?

Naloxone is a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. It works by quickly blocking the effects of opioids, potentially saving someone's life during an overdose.

How can naloxone help in overdose situations?

Naloxone can be administered to someone who is overdosing on opioids, rapidly reversing the effects and providing a chance for medical intervention, thereby preventing death.

What should teens do if they or someone they know is struggling with opioids?

Teens should reach out to a trusted adult, who can help connect them with a pediatrician or other health experts who can provide treatment and support.

How can pediatricians help teens struggling with addiction?

Pediatricians can help by providing access to naloxone, offering guidance on addiction treatment options, and connecting individuals with specialized treatment programs to address opioid dependence.