As required by state law, Education Code Section 48985.5, we wish to inform all students and parents/guardians about the dangers associated with using synthetic drugs that are not prescribed by a physician, such as fentanyl, and the possibility that dangerous synthetic drugs can be found in counterfeit pills.
There are many dangers associated with using synthetic drugs that are not prescribed by a physician, such as fentanyl. Dangerous synthetic drugs can also be found in counterfeit pills. Often, teens think they are purchasing Adderall, OxyContin, Percocet, or Xanax pills, but drug dealers are making fake pills with the cheaper, stronger, and deadlier synthetic drug fentanyl. Fentanyl can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine
(See: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr22ltr1027.asp).
What Is an Opioid?
Opioids are a class of drug used to treat pain. Some examples of opioids are fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine.
Opioids are very effective for certain conditions while under the supervision of medical doctor, but they also carry high addiction potential and sometimes result in overdose.
What is Fentanyl and Why is It Dangerous?
Opioids can be used illegally. In addition to prescription opioids (mentioned above), there are also illicit “street opioids” that can place people at high risk for overdose. Examples of these types of “street opioids” are heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl compounds.
Illegal fentanyl is many times stronger than morphine and is implicated in a large percentage of opioid related deaths worldwide, especially when combined with other opioids, alcohol, or sedative medications such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin).
Opioids cause death by suppressing respiratory function (breathing).
Often illicit fentanyl is disguised and made to look like other prescription drugs that people obtain illegally.
When a person does not know what they are taking, or they have a low tolerance for opioids, they can stop breathing.
Even small amounts for “street fentanyl” can be fatal and people who buy pills or other powdered drugs illicitly place themselves at high risk of overdose.
How to Get Help
If a person encounters someone that is suspected of overdose, immediately call 911.
If someone you know uses opioids, carrying naloxone can be a life saving measure.
The Charter School maintains a policy on naloxone administration in its School Safety Plan. Contact your school principal for more information.
Additional Resources and Updates
- California Department of Education: Combatting Fentanyl with Actions and Resources.
- Visit the California Opioid Response Webpage.
- Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health: https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Behavioral-Health/Care-Services/Dangers-of-Fentanyl-Treatment-Resources.