Protect Kids
from Fentanyl

FAQs

• 1 What is Natural High’s youth drug prevention program?

  Natural High is a youth drug prevention nonprofit. We offer a variety of videos and tools that are used to support parents and educators in their efforts to prevent drug use. The Natural High program has three easy steps to implementation: 1. Watch one of our 40+ engaging influencer (we call them "Storytellers") videos with kids. 2. Discuss as a class or family using our discussion guides to facilitate a thoughtful conversation. 3. Go deeper with an engaging activity. Each video has specific activities tied to the story that naturally follow the discussion. Our content is all aligned to Common Core and National Health Educator Standards.

• 2 What is fentanyl?

  Fentanyl is a potent prescription synthetic opioid drug approved by the FDA for pain relief and anesthetic. Prescription opioids are powerful drugs with a high risk for dependency. Fentanyl is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl is the size of 2 grains of salt.

• 3 Why is fentanyl so dangerous?

  While you should be concerned about all youth substance use, fentanyl is different because it's so deadly. According to data from the CDC, in 2020 there was a 560% increase in overdose deaths fueled by fentanyl. In the illicit drug market, fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, oxycodone, and Adderall. Criminal drug networks are flooding the market with fake pills and other drugs laced with fentanyl. Kids aren't intentionally looking for fentanyl, and they're unaware it's been added to the substances they're seeking. As a result, kids are being poisoned by fentanyl at a staggering rate. 

• 4 How are kids getting fentanyl?

  Fake prescription pills and other illicit substances are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors. Those at risk include casual users, partygoers, experimenters, regular users, and even unsuspecting bystanders who may come into contact with the powerful opioid. 

• 5 How can I prevent fentanyl use?

  Education is a key part of helping today’s youth make healthy choices. They need accurate information from trusted sources. That’s why your role is so crucial when it comes to the fentanyl crisis. Neither kids today nor their parents are aware of the growing dangers of fentanyl poisoning. Research has shown that kids who have opportunities to discuss the harms of drug use with caring adults fare much better. So, we encourage you to both watch the film together and have a discussion using the questions we created in the Natural High Fentanyl Toolkit. Even if substance use is the last thing you need to worry about with your kid or your students, perhaps their awareness could save a friend.

• 6 What are fake prescription pills?

  Counterfeit pills are fake medications that have different ingredients than the actual medication and are sold as the real thing. Fake pills have a 50% chance of being laced with a lethal amounts of fentanyl. These counterfeit pills, also known as “fentapills”, are driving the significant increase in youth overdose deaths. Fentapills are made to look just like prescription drugs such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®). Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media.

• 7 is there a way to tell if fentanyl has been mixed into a pill or powder?

  No one can tell if fentanyl has been mixed into a pill or powder just by looking at it. If a pill is not from a doctor or pharmacy, there's a 50% chance it contains a lethal does of fentanyl. The best way to stay safe is to avoid illegal substances and avoid any pills if they're not prescribed specifically to you.

• 8 What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?

  Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose is crucial for timely intervention and potentially saving a life. Here are the primary signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose:

  - Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness: The individual may be difficult to wake up or may not respond to external stimuli.
  - Slow or erratic breathing: Breathing may be shallow, slow, or completely stopped.
  - Pinpoint pupils: Pupils may become extremely small, even in low light.
  - Cold and clammy skin: The skin may feel cold to the touch and appear pale or bluish, particularly around the lips and fingernails.
  - Weak pulse: The person's pulse may be weak, slow, or irregular.
  - Limp body: The body may become limp and floppy.
  - Choking or gurgling sounds: The person may make unusual sounds that indicate difficulty breathing, sometimes referred to as a "death rattle."

  If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, it's critical to seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911.

  Additionally, administering naloxone (Narcan), if available, can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose and buy time until professional medical help arrives.

  For further information and resources on preventing fentanyl use and encouraging positive choices among young people, check out Natural High's program and educational resources​​​​.

• 9 What resources are included in the Fentanyl Toolkit?

  The Fentanyl Toolkit offers a comprehensive set of materials designed for educators, parents, and community leaders:

  - 6-minute Fentanyl PSA video: A compelling short film highlighting the dangers of fentanyl.
  - Fentapill Lesson Plan: Educates students in grades 6–12 about counterfeit pills and fentanyl risks.
  - Discussion Guides: Facilitate meaningful conversations with youth.
  - Printable Fact Sheets: Available in English and Spanish, providing key information about fentanyl.
  - Parent Conversation Guide: Offers tips for discussing fentanyl with children.
  - Film Screening Guide: Assists in organizing impactful community or school events.
  - Interactive Quizzes: Engage students and reinforce learning.

  These resources are designed to be flexible and adaptable to various settings. Check us out on social media where we've showcased organizations and individuals helping to spread awareness and prevent fentanyl poisoning.

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• 10 How can I use the toolkit in my community or school?

  The toolkit is versatile and can be integrated into multiple settings:
  - Classroom Lessons: Incorporate into health or advisory classes.
  - School Assemblies: Use the PSA and discussion guides to educate larger groups.
  - After-School Programs: Engage students in interactive activities and discussions.
  - Community Events: Host film screenings and distribute fact sheets.
  - Parent Meetings: Share resources and conversation guides to encourage at-home discussions.

  You these materials to foster awareness and prevention efforts within your community and your own home.

• 11 What age is the content suitable for?

  The primary materials in the Fentanyl Toolkit are geared towards students in grades 6–12. However, educators, parents, and anyone working with younger students can adapt the content by:

  - Focusing on general discussions about making healthy choices.
  - Using age-appropriate language to explain the concept of natural highs.
  - Engaging in activities that promote positive decision-making.

  It's recommended to preview all materials to ensure they align with your students' maturity levels.

• 12 Are the resources available in other languages?

  Yes, several resources within the toolkit are available in Spanish, including:

  - Fentanyl Fact Sheets
  - Parent Conversation Guides

• 13 How can I stay updated on new resources in the future?

  To receive the latest updates on new materials, events, and prevention strategies:

  - Sign up for the Natural High Essentials weekly newsletter: Stay informed about new tools and tips for engaging youth.
  - Visit the Natural High blog: Read articles on prevention strategies and actionable .
  - Follow Natural High on Social Media: Engage with the community and access shareable content.
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• 14 What is carfentanil? Is it different than fentanyl?

  Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid. It’s 100 times stronger than fentanyl. Like fentanyl, it’s being mixed into other drugs and counterfeit pills sold on the illicit market, but its greater strength makes it far more dangerous.

  Overdoses involving carfentanil are much harder to reverse. While naloxone is commonly used to treat opioid overdoses, it may not work on carfentanil at standard doses. Multiple, high doses are often needed, and even then, a successful reversal is not guaranteed.