Dear Editor,
Illegally made fentanyl has had a devastating impact on local communities across the state. Drug prevention and education remain crucial to reducing overdose deaths and preventing addiction. Regardless of age, anyone can learn about the risks and speak about them.
Grandparents can help their grandkids by speaking about fentanyl and other drugs. Resources like the Seniors’ Guide to Fentanyl and local drug education play an essential role. It makes talking about the topic much more effortless.
There are practical approaches that anyone can use to speak to young people and pass on valuable information, such as keeping things age-appropriate and using language that is easy for a child or teen to understand. There are different ways to discuss the topic depending on their age.
When speaking to teens or young adults, ask open-ended questions like: What do you know about fentanyl? Or What are your thoughts on drug use? Are you concerned about someone offering you drugs?
This can help start a conversation and fill the void with factual information about fentanyl and its risks.
Share personal experiences and examples of peer pressure and how it was managed. While the approaches to peer pressure are much different today because of social media, the practical methods of handling or avoiding it can still be applied.
Teens can often experience significant peer pressure online through their social media platforms. Social media also glorifies drug and alcohol use.
Please encourage them to speak to their parents or caregivers and help them create a trusting environment with the people they live with. Get them to ask questions and voice their opinions, as this becomes the best way to share ideas and gain knowledge.
Illegally made fentanyl comes in many different forms. The powdered version looks like other drugs. It is commonly mixed in with cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. It’s also made into pills that mimic prescription pain medication.
These drugs are easily purchased on social media platforms, and drug dealers use code words and emojis to advertise products.
Young people are often targeted.
Since 2019 the number of opioid-related deaths has sharply increased in Vermont, reaching 37.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2022. Rutland County reached 18.2 deaths that year.
Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous. Yet, with adequate prevention and education, more people can be saved from overdose and be guided to treatment and support.
Marie Garceau, advocate for substance use and addiction recovery
