Young adults between 18-25 are the biggest abusers of antidepressants,
anti-anxiety drugs, ADHD stimulants, and prescription painkillers.
Prescription depressants, antidepressants, and opioids are more responsible for
teen overdose deaths than cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine
combined.
Teens consume the powerful opioid unwittingly, packaged in counterfeit pills tailored to resemble less potent prescription medications.
Teens today are struggling more than ever with stress, anxiety, and depression, and many are turning to the internet or the street to purchase prescription drugs to self-medicate their emotional health.
The issue of fentanyl-laced street drugs is out of control and is the #1 killer of individuals ages 18-45. With one in five high school seniors reporting misusing prescription drugs and fentanyl-related deaths on the rise, now is the time to start a discussion about the dangers of playing with pills. Our "Don't Play With Pills" campaign seeks to reach those teens who may be tempted to turn to prescription drugs to manage their emotional health.
Drew's Story and Today's fentanyl crisis
For Drew, one bad pill triggered an addiction that ended with his death. Drew was a 23 year old college graduate student who attempted to manage his anxiety with Xanax purchased over the internet but, the Xanax he purchased was laced with fentanyl. Thanks to emergency help, he survived. However, that one bad pill triggered an addiction which ended with his death eight months later.
Every day more than 2,000 teenagers abuse prescription drugs for the first time. Teen fatality due to prescription drug misuse is rising across the country. Our "Don't Play With Pills" campaign specifically addresses today's risks and dangers surrounding teens using un-prescribed, prescription drugs for any reason including self-medicating emotional health issues. We hope to reduce teen misuse and prevent further tragic deaths by raising awareness and addressing this issue head-on. Engaging in this crucial discussion can help prevent further harm and motivate cultural change among young people.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Encourage open and honest communication
Explain what fentanyl is and why it is so dangerous
Stress not to take any pills that were not prescribed to you from a doctor
No pill purchased on social media or off the street is safe
Make sure they know that fentanyl has been found in most illegal drugs
Create an "exit plan" to help your child know what to do if they're pressured to take a pill or use drugs