Facts About Fentanyl
Date: 10/25/22
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns of brightly-colored fentanyl being used to target young Americans. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recently, brightly colored fentanyl is being seized in several forms, including:
- Pills
- Powder
- Blocks that look like sidewalk chalk
“Rainbow fentanyl” comes in many different shapes, sizes and bright colors. It is designed to attract kids and teens. Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country.
With Halloween around the corner, it is suggested adults check the candy received from trick-or-treating. Below is a list of ways you can make sure your children enjoy the holiday, and their candy, without any worries.
- Avoid candy that is not clearly labeled or commercially wrapped.
- Wait until you get home to eat candy.
- Watch out for choking hazards.
- Limit candy intake.
- Be careful about food allergies.
Fentanyl is not usually given away for free or connected to the holiday. However, people worry the colorful drug could be taken accidently. Kids may think it is candy or another drug. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.
Sources and resources:
CDC Fentanyl Facts
Fentanyl Fact Sheet (PDF)
'Rainbow Fentanyl': 5 Things To Know, Including How Kids Are Targeted
DEA Fentanyl Awareness