The Dangers of Fentanyl and Synthetic Drugs

Assembly Bill 889 added Section 48985.5 to the California Education Code. This new law requires public schools to share information annually about the dangers of fentanyl.

A Growing Threat to Youth Health and Safety

The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. As part of our commitment to student health and community awareness, we want to ensure that families are informed about the growing danger of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids – substances that are increasingly affecting young people in communities across California and the nation.

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose deaths and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While it can be prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, illicit fentanyl is often made in illegal labs and is mixed into counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription medications such as Xanax, Oxycodone, or Adderall. It is also sometimes mixed into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine – often without the user’s knowledge.

Even a very small amount – just 2 milligrams – can be deadly.

Why Is This So Dangerous?

Teens may be unaware they are taking fentanyl. Many believe they are experimenting with a prescription pill or using a drug they’ve tried before, not realizing it has been tainted with this deadly substance. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The DEA found that two out of every five counterfeit pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

Accidental fentanyl overdoses have become one of the leading causes of death among teens in California. The crisis has impacted schools and families across the state, with heartbreaking stories of young lives lost after taking a single pill.

What Families and Students Need to Know

Never take any pill or substance that was not prescribed to you by a medical provider and dispensed by a pharmacy.
Talk to your children about the dangers of drug use – especially fake pills and fentanyl.
Social media is a common avenue for distribution. Students may be offered drugs online from people they don’t know.
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that can reverse a fentanyl overdose. In emergencies, calling 911 immediately can save a life.

Resources for Parents and Students

We encourage all families to stay informed and connected. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please reach out to a school counselor, nurse, or administrator. We are here to support you.