Nour Khachnaoui, Rory Patterson
Staff Writers
According to Anne Milgram, Administrator of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, “Fentanyl is the single deadliest threat our nation has ever encountered.”
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is the number one contributor to drug overdoses in America. In recent years, the U.S. has seen a spike in fentanyl related deaths, increasing by 23% from 2020 to 2021. 67% of all overdose fatalities in 2021 involved fentanyl or other similar synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is often added to other less powerful drugs, without the user’s knowledge, in an attempt to increase potency. Often, people who overdose on fentanyl were initially unaware they were using the drug.
It is crucial to know the signs of addiction in order to prevent overdoses and other hazards that come with drug use. Social withdrawal, visible mood swings, extreme lethargy, and a newfound willingness to engage in risky behavior can all be signs of addiction. There are multiple resources available to get help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is one of many agencies that has a hotline that can be called for information on how to seek help with addiction. Anyone can call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. In emergency circumstances, such as any sign of an overdose, call 911 immediately to get medical attention as soon as possible.
This crisis has touched adolescents. The teenage fentanyl mortality rate has increased by 249% percent from 2019 to 2021. It is important to speak up if you know someone is facing addiction. Noticing that a close friend or relative is no longer enjoying their regular hobbies and showing a decrease in care about personal appearance or hygiene might make a major difference. The people you care about will not function as their regular selves if they’re struggling with addiction. As someone who knows them the best, pay attention to their habits, potential changes in their social circles, and how they spend their time.
For students looking for support within the community, ACPS has a number of resources available to students. The ACPS Department of Student Services and Equity (DSSE) strives to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to providing a supportive school environment for students involved with substance abuse or use. ACPS also employs substance abuse counselors who can help students who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. These resources, along with nodes to educate students and staff on the effects of alcohol and drug abuse, teach staff how to recognize signs of substance abuse, and work to promote intervention groups and activities to those seeking help for addiction.
