Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically prescribed to treat severe pain. These pills have become increasingly accessible through social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to youth. Fentanly is extremely potent. It’s a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) this week warned school leaders about a new and potentially fatal drug “rainbow fentanyl,” that may interest youth. Brightly-colored fentanyl, referred to as "Rainbow fentanyl" has been identified as a new trend in the United States by the DEA.  Rainbow fentanyl is a potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in a  variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes that could attract young people.Fentanyl can be found in different forms, including pills, powder, blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy and liquid.

Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly.

Additionally, local investigators point to advertisements on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram that are targeting our youth. Officials say that young people find pills especially appealing because they’re cheap, more socially acceptable than meth or heroin and don’t have a tell-tale smell like alcohol or marijuana.

How Can You Help ? 

One of the best ways to protect kids from substance abuse is by having regular and open conversations to educate them about the risks. Listen to them without judgment. Also monitor their social media use. Drugs are often offered by someone that they know or a stranger that they meet on social media.

How to recognize a fentanyl overdose? 

• Cannot be woken up or not moving

• Breathing slow or absent

• Discoloration of lips and nails

• Choking or coughing, gurgling sounds

• Cold or clammy skin

• Dizziness or disorientation

• Pupils extremely small

Facts about Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. 

• POTENT: Up 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine.

• LETHAL: A few grains of sand worth can be lethal. (as pictured above)

• SYNTHETIC: Not plant-based. Made in a lab. 

• OPIOID: Pain reliever like oxycodone, morphine and heroin.

• EASILY HIDDEN: Fentanyl can be in any drug including fake pills of oxycodone and Xanax.

Resources: 

Parents: 

1. Hidden in Plain Sight 

2. Administering Naloxone

3. DEA Get Smart About Drugs

4. Online Drug Dealers on Social Media

Students:

California Youthline -  800-843-5200

What is Fentanyl?  

What is a Fentapill

What can we do about Fentapills?

Your Brain on Fentanyl

Additional Resources:

Buying Drugs Online – What You Should Know & How to Protect Your Kids

Growing Up Drug Free - a Parent's Guide to Prevention

Fentanyl in Vape Pens 

Tips for Teens

Drug- Facts -Fentanyl 

DEA Fact Sheet on Counterfeit Pills 

DEA Warns of Brightly Colored Rainbow Fentanyl