Adult Education Needed in the Fight Against Fentanyl

United States - October 25, 2023 —

Parents play an essential role in the decision-making of their children. Their children’s values and behaviors are derived from their own. While peer and social pressures play a part, a parent’s influence can supersede these factors. Knowing this, it is vital that parents are well-informed and can properly educate their kids so they can make healthy decisions.

The Importance of Parents & Guardians Staying Informed

Drug education and prevention techniques have long been focused on youth, and while this strategy is effective and necessary, educating parents is often overlooked. Substance use trends are constantly changing, and many adults are unaware, making it nearly impossible to protect their children against them. A perfect example of this is fentanyl. Fentanyl has become one of the biggest threats to today’s youth, and while many parents are aware of its existence, they are still uneducated on how to protect their children.

Drug use trends are constantly changing, and many threats children face were absent when the adults caring for them were younger. Such is the case with fentanyl. Today’s parents never had to worry about fake pills or laced drugs that could kill someone almost instantly. Parents must make a conscious effort to stay informed about threats such as fentanyl as they can go a long way in preventing their children from ending up in harm’s way. 

The Increasing Dangers of Drug Experimentation

Drug and alcohol experimentation among youth is almost impossible to prevent entirely. Some parents even see this as part of growing up and a rite of passage. This viewpoint is outdated, and while drug experimentation was never safe, it has never been as dangerous as it is today. Parents should be proactive and learn as much as possible about this threat to protect their children.

The most significant difference between fentanyl and other drugs is twofold. One issue with fentanyl is how it is regularly hidden in illicit drugs and passed off as something it is not. Unlike other drugs, fentanyl is regularly taken without a person’s knowledge. Individuals, especially teenagers, are at risk because drug experimentation has become a game of Russian roulette. The second is its deadly nature. According to the DEA, Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. These two factors make fentanyl an incredible risk. 

To illustrate of the magnitude of fentanyl’s effects, according to Families Against Fentanyl, in 2020, fentanyl was one of the leading causes of death for Americans aged 18-45. The pandemic exasperated these numbers, but fentanyl remains a significant threat today and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Resources to Help Parents and Guardians 

There are many resources available to help with this. One helpful guide is A Parent’s Guide to Fentanyl, which explains the threat and provides practical tips to help better understand the dangers of this powerful drug. 

Below is a list of other resources that can be helpful:

SUPE (Substance Use Prevention Education) – A non-profit organization with drug education videos, resources, and curriculum for children, young adults, and parents.

SAMSHA – A government resource, focuses on the mantra “Talk, They Hear You.”

Get Smart About Drugs- A DEA resource to help parents, educators, and caregivers learn more about the effects of drugs and alcohol.

About the Author

Dr. Jeremy Cohen, a highly experienced educator and educational leader, brings a wealth of knowledge to this article. He holds advanced degrees in education, including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation. He has worked in various roles, from teaching special education to serving as a Chief School Administrator. Dr. Cohen is the Superintendent of the Maurice River School District in Southern New Jersey.

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