Peers Speak Out
Teens from Maryland
Teens from California
Info for Teens
Using prescription pills that weren't prescribed to you can be deadly.
- Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.
- Fake pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, and can be deadly.
- Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.
- Many fake pills are made to look like prescription drugs such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®)
What is their effect on the body?
Fentanyl misuse may result in an intense, short-term high; temporary feelings of euphoria; slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure, nausea, fainting; seizures or death. Methamphetamine misuse may result in agitation; increased heart rate and blood pressure; increased respiration and body temperature; anxiety and paranoia. High doses can cause convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, stroke or death.
What are the overdose effects?
Overdose may result in stupor, changes in papillary size, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma and respiratory failure leading to death. The presence of a triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.
Dealing with Peer Pressure
- Stick With Your Bestie
- Avoid, Avoid, Avoid
- Be the Sober One
- Ask a Million Questions
- Stick to Your Script
Facing constant peer pressure can be hard. The tips we mentioned help, but it’s also important that you are confident in your decision to be drug-free in the first place. Learning the facts and dangers associated with drug use is a good place to start.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It needs to be administered (given) right away, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an easy-to-use nasal spray version. Naloxone also comes in an injectable syringe, which can be used by emergency medical workers.
How does it work?
A person who overdoses on an opioid (like a prescription pain medication, heroin, or fentanyl) experiences slower breathing—or stops breathing completely. In many cases, giving the person naloxone can immediately restore normal breathing.
