One Pill Can Kill; One Spray Can Save

Understanding Prescription Medicaid Risk

Teen Prescription Drug Use Statistics

The Threat of Fentanyl

FAQs

Narcan and How to Use It

About the Developer

<h4>What is naloxone?</h4>Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="cdc-references-cite__link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html#cdcreference_1">1</a>Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable.<h4>How does naloxone work and how do you use it?</h4>Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.Naloxone won't harm someone if they're overdosing on drugs other than opioids, so it's always best to use it if you think someone is overdosing.If you give someone naloxone, stay with them until emergency help arrives or for at least four hours to make sure their breathing returns to normal.<h4>Why carry naloxone?</h4>Naloxone saves livesNearly 80,000 (or about 76%) of the 105,007 drug overdose deaths in 2023 involved an opioid.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="cdc-references-cite__link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html#cdcreference_3">3</a>CDC data show a potential bystander was present in nearly 43% of overdose deaths in 2023.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="cdc-references-cite__link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html#cdcreference_4">4</a>With the right tools, bystanders can act to prevent overdose deaths. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.<h4>Who should carry naloxone?</h4>If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD), you should carry naloxone and keep it at home. People who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater than or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together, and people who use illegal opioids like heroin or fentanyl should all carry naloxone. Because you can't use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.Carrying naloxone is no different than carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (commonly known by the brand name EpiPen) for someone with allergies. It simply provides an extra layer of protection for those at a higher risk for overdose.Having naloxone available allows bystanders to help prevent a fatal overdose and save lives.<h4>Where can you get naloxone?</h4>Naloxone is available in all 50 states over the counter. If you have been prescribed high-dose opioids, talk to your doctor about co-prescribing naloxone. You can also get naloxone from <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="tp-link-policy" href="https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/#home">community-based naloxone programs</a> and most <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="tp-link-policy" href="https://www.nasen.org/map/">syringe services programs</a>.More Information:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html">https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html</a>

Lifesaving Naloxone

<ul><li>Discover the real dangers of prescription medication misuse among teens.</li><li>Learn about fentanyl risks.</li><li>Learn how Narcan saves lives.</li><li>Find resources to stay informed and safe.</li><li>Empower yourself with knowledge and take action today!</li></ul>

Antibiotics. Medication used for the treatment of bacterial infections.  

Your Brain on Opioids

In Lily Fang's animation, Susan’s Brain, is part of a free online course produced by HarvardX and Harvard Health Publications. The course, The Opioid Crisis in America, challenges preconceptions about addiction and about who can become addicted to opioids, and this animation illustrates changes in the brain that lead to addiction. Dr. Elena Chartoff and Dr. Hilary Connery, both of Boston’s McLean Hospital advised on the brain science within this animation. This video is provided courtesy of the President’s and Fellows of Harvard College © 2017. Lily Fang: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://lilyfang.com/">http://lilyfang.com</a>

Understand how Narcan and similar medications can reverse overdoses and save lives.

Life-Saving Role of Narcan

Participate in interactive content designed to educate and empower teens about prescription drug safety.

Young teen doing schoolwork at home after UK schools close due to the Coronavirus.

Engaging Educational Activities for Teens

Access valuable links to the DEA and other organizations offering guidance on opioid misuse prevention.

Resources for Opioid Overdose Awareness

Explore the dangers associated with misuse of prescription drugs and how they impact teens today.

Understanding Prescription Medication Risks

Discover eye-opening statistics that highlight the prevalence of drug use among teens.

Teen Drug Use Statistics

Learn about the severe risks fentanyl poses to teenagers and how to recognize its presence.

Knowledge is Power

Know the Facts

In this 2020 photograph, captured inside a clinical setting, a health care provider administers a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV] (Nasal Spray Vaccine). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone, 6-months of age and older, get a flu vaccine every season. There are many vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing, is for all people 6-months and older to get an influenza vaccine every year. 

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Two mixed race curly girl friends sitting on the couch and watch thriller movie and eat popcorn

Opioids are powerful medications used to relieve pain — common examples include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. While they can be very effective for short-term pain management, they also carry a high risk of dependence and addiction, even when prescribed by a doctor.

Think Before You Take

Where to go for more info!

Fentanyl: Teen Danger Alert

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Vs Fake

Fentanyl is an opioid drug, like morphine or heroin. It is made entirely in laboratories, with no natural ingredients. Although it is approved as a prescription pain medicine, most of the fentanyl contributing to the current overdose crisis is made illegally.Fentanyl is more potent (powerful) than many other opioid drugs. Even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose. That can even happen when a person takes fentanyl without knowing it, if it was added to counterfeit prescription pills or other illegal drugs. Using fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of using drugs that contain fentanyl.Fentanyl is addictive. Like other opioids, repeated use causes changes in brain activity that cause people to continue using it even when they experience harmful effects.&nbsp;Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid originally developed for veterinary use, more specifically to tranquilize large animals such as elephants. It is extraordinarily potent and not approved for human use. In fact, it is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl.&nbsp;Because of its strength, a nearly microscopic amount of carfentanil can induce a powerful, and often deadly, effect in humans.&nbsp;In an effort to increase drug potency and profits, carfentanil has been found mixed with other drugs or pressed into pills that look like prescription painkillers. This increases the likelihood of fatal overdose and poisoning deaths, especially among users who are unaware they are ingesting such a powerful substance.Increasing PrevalenceDEA, local law enforcement, and first responders have recently seen an increased presence of carfentanil in the illicit drug market, which has been linked to a number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country. According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7348a2.htm?s_cid=mm7348a2_w">CDC</a>, deaths involving carfentanil increased approximately sevenfold – from 29 deaths from January to June 2023, to 238 deaths from January to June 2024. Carfentanil has now been detected in 37 states.The current rise in carfentanil prevalence is reminiscent of previous surges observed in late-2016-2017 and 2019-2020. During these periods, the DEA noted significant increases in carfentanil encounters. During this current wave, DEA laboratories have tested more than 100 kilograms of carfentanil mixed with fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and other drugs in calendar year 2024 alone. This is larger than the three previous calendar years combined, which totaled approximately 87 kilograms of seized material containing carfentanil.&nbsp;The majority of carfentanil seizures throughout 2024 were in a pill or tablet form, not the typical powder form previously encountered. This trend is concerning due to:<ul><li>Increased Risk of Overdose: The extreme potency of carfentanil significantly increases the risk of overdose and death, even with a single pill.</li><li>Deceptive Appearance: Within the past year, more carfentanil is being pressed into pills that resemble prescription medications, leading to unintentional consumption by individuals who believe they are taking a less potent drug.</li></ul>Overdose and Treatment ChallengesExposure to carfentanil can cause respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils, and clammy skin. The onset of these symptoms usually occurs within minutes of exposure. Its rapid effect on the central nervous system leaves little time for life-saving interventions.Treating an overdose involving carfentanil is extremely difficult. While naloxone is widely used as an emergency antidote for opioid overdoses, it may not be effective against carfentanil in normal doses. Multiple, high doses of naloxone may be required, and even then, effective reversal of an overdose is not guaranteed.Raising Awareness and Staying SafePublic awareness is critical to preventing overdoses and poisonings involving synthetic opioids. Anyone who might encounter illicit substances, including powders and fake pills, should be aware of the potential presence of carfentanil.Public education and increased awareness are needed to combat the devastating impact of synthetic opioids, like carfentanil.Remember that One Pill Can Kill.&nbsp;To protect yourself:<ul><li>Avoid Illicit Drugs and Fake Pills: Refrain from using illicit drugs, as they may contain carfentanil without your knowledge. Never take a pill that was not prescribed to you by a doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.</li><li>Seek Help: If you suspect someone has been exposed to carfentanil or is experiencing symptoms of overdose, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone, if available.</li><li>Stay Informed: Understand the dangers of carfentanil and educate your loved ones about the risks associated with synthetic drugs.</li></ul>

Lines of coke (it is baking powder for the record)

What is Fentanyl and Carfentanil?

Narcan

Knowing how to use NARCAN® Nasal Spray could mean the difference between life and loss. Purchase NARCAN® Nasal Spray in stores and online and be <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/readytorescue">#ReadyToRescue</a>.​

<h3>Understanding the Statistics</h3>Prescription medication abuse among teens has seen alarming growth in recent years. Studies reveal that nearly 20% of high school students have misused prescription drugs at least once, often obtaining them from family or friends. This trend poses significant health risks, including addiction, overdose, and even death. Raising awareness about these dangers is critical in curbing this epidemic and protecting the younger generation.<ul><li>Among adolescents ages 10–19 years, median monthly overdose deaths increased 109% from July–December 2019 to July–December 2021.</li><li>During that same period, deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) increased 182% among ages 10–19. </li><li>In 2023, among 8th graders about 10.9% reported using any illicit drug in the past year.</li><li>Among 10th graders in 2023, about 19.8% reported using any illicit drug in the past year.</li><li>Among 12th graders in 2023, about 31.2% reported using any illicit drug in the past year.</li><li>Among adolescents ages 12-17, about 8.2% misused a prescription medication in the past year.</li><li>Among those misusing prescription medication in that group, about 3.0% had symptoms of a substance use disorder related to prescription misuse.</li><li>Among adolescents ages 12-17, about 1.6%-2.5% reported using pain relievers (non-medical use) in the past year.</li><li>A large proportion of teens endorse that prescription drugs are easy to access from medicine cabinets (one source: about 62% said this). </li><li>Adolescent overdose fatalities more than doubled in recent years (for example 282 in 2019 to 546 in 2020) primarily driven by opioids. </li><li>In one study for youth ages 10-19, the years of life lost and mortality from fentanyl-related exposure increased by 113% in 2020 compared to 2019.</li><li>The percentage of adolescents reporting any illicit substance use in 2023 stayed below pre-pandemic levels.</li><li>Among teens who used illicit drugs in the past month, a very high majority reported marijuana use.</li><li>Teen use of most illicit drugs has shown a historic decline (though overdose risk remains high).</li><li>Overdose deaths among adolescents ages 10-19 frequently involved opioids—approximately 90% of those overdose deaths in that age-group involved opioids. </li></ul>

Teen Drug Abuse Statistics

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/12/reported-use-of-most-drugs-among-adolescents-remained-low-in-2024">https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/12/reported-use-of-most-drugs-among-adolescents-remained-low-in-2024</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/teens-drugs-and-overdose-contrasting-pre-pandemic-and-current-trends">https://kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/teens-drugs-and-overdose-contrasting-pre-pandemic-and-current-trends</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/underage-drinking/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/underage-drinking/index.html</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/visit-rates-by-age/mental-substance-disorders-visit-rates.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/visit-rates-by-age/mental-substance-disorders-visit-rates.pdf</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.umich.edu/missing-rebound-youth-drug-use-defies-expectations-continues-historic-decline">https://news.umich.edu/missing-rebound-youth-drug-use-defies-expectations-continues-historic-decline</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7305a1.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7305a1.htm</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/12/reported-drug-use-among-adolescents-continued-to-hold-below-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2023">https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/12/reported-drug-use-among-adolescents-continued-to-hold-below-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2023</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use-illicit.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use-illicit.htm</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use">https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/index.html</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7150a2.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7150a2.htm</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nyulangone.org/news/majority-youth-overdose-deaths-2018-2022-were-driven-fentanyl-alone">https://nyulangone.org/news/majority-youth-overdose-deaths-2018-2022-were-driven-fentanyl-alone</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/about-22-high-school-age-adolescents-died-each-week">https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/about-22-high-school-age-adolescents-died-each-week</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2805467">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2805467</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2312084">https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2312084</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2025/20250514.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2025/20250514.htm</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3695621">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3695621</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics">https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X23004536">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X23004536</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://educationweek.org/leadership/teen-substance-use-is-declining-but-more-dangerous-drug-abuse-is-emerging">https://educationweek.org/leadership/teen-substance-use-is-declining-but-more-dangerous-drug-abuse-is-emerging</a>

Links to Statistical Information

How Quickly Addiction Can HappenAddiction doesn’t have a single timeline — it varies from person to person — but research shows that dependence can begin in as little as a few days of regular use.<ul><li>The brain quickly adapts to the presence of opioids, changing how it releases natural chemicals like dopamine.</li><li>Within about 5–7 days of continuous use, some people start to feel early withdrawal symptoms if they skip a dose.</li><li>After 2–3 weeks, tolerance often develops — meaning a person needs more of the drug to get the same effect.</li><li>For some, especially those with a genetic or mental-health risk factor, addiction can take hold within weeks of misuse (such as taking higher doses or using medication not prescribed to them).</li></ul>Why Prescription Medications Can Be RiskyEven legally prescribed medications can lead to misuse or addiction if not used exactly as directed. Key risks include:<ul><li>Tolerance: The body needs higher doses for pain relief, increasing overdose risk.</li><li>Dependence: The body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally.</li><li>Withdrawal: Stopping suddenly can cause pain, nausea, anxiety, or depression.</li><li>Overdose: Taking too much — even one extra pill — can slow breathing and cause death.</li><li>Transition to illicit drugs: Some people who misuse prescription opioids later turn to heroin or fentanyl, which are cheaper and far more dangerous.</li></ul>Why Teens Are Especially Vulnerable<ul><li>The teen brain is still developing, especially areas that control decision-making and impulse control.</li><li>Curiosity or peer pressure can lead to “trying just one pill,” but one pill can be deadly if it’s counterfeit or mixed with fentanyl.</li><li>Social media drug sales and fake pills make the risk even higher for youth.Opioid addiction can begin faster than most people realize — sometimes after only a few days of misuse. Prescription pain medications must always be taken exactly as directed, stored securely, and never shared. If pain persists or side effects occur, the safest step is to talk to a doctor about non-opioid options.</li></ul>Links to resources:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Mayo Clinic</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/preventing-opioid-use-disorder.html">https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/preventing-opioid-use-disorder.html</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!" href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/preventing-opioid-use-disorder.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">CDC</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids">https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!" href="https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids?utm_source=chatgpt.com">NIDA</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/opioids/riskfactors">https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/opioids/riskfactors</a></li></ul>

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to an Opioid?

Olivia Dowd – Miss Texarkana’s TeenCommunity Service Initiative: One Pill Can Kill; One Spray Can SavePrescription Drug Awareness and PreventionAt just sixteen years old, Olivia Dowd has turned personal loss into a powerful mission to save lives. As Miss Texarkana’s Teen, Olivia leads her Community Service Initiative, which focuses on educating youth and families about the dangers of prescription drug misuse, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl poisoning.Olivia’s passion for this cause is deeply personal. When she was younger, she lost both of her uncles to struggles that began with prescription pain medications. What started as legitimate prescriptions quickly escalated into substance use disorder and, ultimately, tragedy. Witnessing the devastating effects of addiction within her own family gave Olivia a unique sense of empathy and determination to make a difference.

Olivia Dowd

Miss Texarkana's Teen

The Face Behind The Initiative

Through her CSI, Olivia partners with schools, local organizations, and law enforcement to raise awareness, host educational programs, and advocate for prevention at every level. She also promotes the life-saving importance of Narcan (Naloxone) training and safe medication disposal practices.Believing that prevention should start early, Olivia has written a children’s book to help young readers understand the importance of making safe choices in an age-appropriate and relatable way. Her goal is to spark conversations between parents, teachers, and students that can prevent the next generation from experiencing the same pain her family endured.With compassion, courage, and a clear voice, Olivia Dowd is using her platform to turn grief into action and to remind everyone that awareness saves lives and that one pill really can kill.Link to book on amazon:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/4vk1EJ8">https://a.co/d/4vk1EJ8</a>