Fake Pills = Real Danger!

 

Messages about the unpredictable nature of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl cannot be repeated often enough. In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized enough counterfeit pills to represent 380 million lethal doses. In 2025 alone, seizures equaled 196 million lethal doses - an unprecedented surge.

DEA labs tested 4-in-10 counterfeit pills seized and found lethal doses of fentanyl. Law enforcement and prevention professionals from Informed Families, the Florida Family Partnership, remind us that there are no safe-looking pills. Counterfeit pills can look exactly like real pharmaceuticals, such as Oxycontin, Xanax, and Adderall, but fake pills are powerful synthetic opioids produced in criminal labs. Potency of these pills can vary greatly - just 2mg of fentanyl, about the size of a few grains of table salt, can lead to fatal overdose.

Protecting our teens requires up-to-date awareness, ongoing communication, and practical action. The DEA offers a Science-Based Fact Sheet to arm parents with the facts to share with their children.

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/DEA-OPCK_Parent%20flyer_V6.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Research Shows Negative Impact of Cannabis Use on Heart & Brain

 

As recreational use of marijuana has become more common in recent years, research continues to show that cannabis can significantly age the brain, raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, and cause mental health issues.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, brain imaging specialist Dr. Daniel Amen shared that it's "clear" that people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain.🧠 Findings are based on decades of brain imaging performed at the Amen Clinics in California which show that when teenagers or those in their 20s use marijuana, there is a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide, and psychosis.

Through ongoing research, we have learned that the brains of young adults are not fully developed until the age of 25-26. Engaging in use of cannabis in earlier years can set youth back mentally and cause issues like anxiety and depression. As Dr. Amen cautioned, "Many people don't really appreciate how important their brain is when they are in their teens and early 20's. When they start using marijuana, alcohol, or other substances at an early age, development gets arrested. If brain development is impacted early, it might not ever catch up."

For more Health articles and recent research, visit: 

https://www.foxnews.com/health/heres-what-marijuana-really-does-developing-brain-according-psychiatrist

Alcohol & Drug Use in the Workplace

 

Our prevention partners at the Drug Free America Foundation have shared results from a national study conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University and published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine which found that nearly 9% of U.S. workers under the age of 30 have used alcohol or drugs while on the job. Substances used included cannabis and alcohol as well as prescription painkillers or opioids.

Among younger employees surveyed, 8.9% said they used substances at work in the past year. More than 60% used cannabis. Many admitted not only using substances during work breaks, but also during period of actively working. Findings noted that employees with low job satisfaction or those who felt their positions were insecure were more likely to use alcohol or drugs on the job. 

This presents alarming concern for safety, employee morale, and operations in the workplace. On-the-job substance use must be addressed to reduce risk of accidents, maintain productivity, and avoid liability issues. 

Workplace culture must support open communication so employees feel safe discussing mental health or personnel challenges without fear of judgment - this can identify potential issues before they escalate. Employees who feel valued and secure in their roles are less likely to engage in harmful behavior, including using substances at work.

https://news.osu.edu/9-of-young-us-employees-use-alcohol-drugs-at-work-study-finds/

Have an “Exit Plan” with Your Child for Risky Situations

 

Talking about substance use is important for promoting healthy behaviors. Open communication provides an opportunity for you and your child to discuss strategies to avoid underage drinking and other substance misuse. Even with a plan, young people can sometimes find it difficult to make safe decisions in the moment.

Help your teen create an "exit plan" in case he or she is faced with a difficult decision. Create a code word, phrase, or emoji that your child can text to you or someone else they trust if they need help in an uncomfortable situation. They may worry about getting in trouble, so make it clear that they can come to you any time for help if they or someone they know are in danger - offer them a safe ride home or arrange a ride from another trusted driver.

Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps and practicing them together in a safe environment can go a long way to prepare and empower your teen to make good choices when it matters.

Key Differences Between 988 & 911

 

Thanks to our prevention partners at SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for this helpful graphic that outlines the difference between 988 and 911 - both are critical resources to make sure you get the support you need!

9-1-1 is reserved for urgent threats to life and safety - those who require immediate intervention for medical or other kinds of emergencies or crimes in progress.

9-8-8 Lifeline is an immediate resource that is available 24/7 for emotional support, de-escalation of crisis, and connection to community resources. 988 provides one-on-one skilled, caring support for mental health or substance use issues. You can text - call - or chat 988 any time, no matter where you are.

Positive Signs on Life’s Highway

 

Sometimes, we all have moments in life when we may feel things are not going our way. Along life's highway, look for signs that remind us to slow down and take self-inventory. 

When experiencing feelings of doubt or uncertainty, do your best to be in the moment. Embrace gratitude by reflecting on how far you have progressed in life and count the blessings that have come your way. Be encouraged by the fact that while you may not be exactly where you want to be, neither are you where you used to be. Treat yourself with kindness and be sure to acknowledge how proud your past self may be if they could see you now!

Join Us for the 2025 Red Ribbon Run – Saturday, October 25th at Lake Mirror