Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

Assembly Bill 889 added Section 48985.5 to the California Education Code. This law requires public schools to share information annually with parents and guardians about the dangers of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. This notification includes information on counterfeit pills and how social media is used to market these dangerous substances to youth.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is now the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Even a tiny amount, as little as two milligrams, can be fatal.

According to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram: "Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison."

Counterfeit Pills: Many fentanyl-related deaths occur because fentanyl is pressed into counterfeit pills that look like legitimate prescription medications such as Percocet, OxyContin, or Xanax.

These pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl and cannot be identified by appearance.

They may be purchased unknowingly online or through friends.

Social Media and Drug Sales: Drug dealers now use social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok to advertise and sell drugs to teens. Emojis are often used to disguise drug-related conversations, and transactions are arranged via direct messages.

Parents are urged to monitor their child's online activity and to have open discussions.

Key Points for Parents to Share:

- Never take pills not prescribed to you by a doctor.

- Counterfeit pills may contain deadly levels of fentanyl.

- Social media is often used to sell drugs to teens.

- Fentanyl cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled.