What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. While it is used medically for severe pain, illegally manufactured fentanyl is driving a national overdose crisis.

Because fentanyl is so potent, even a very small amount can be deadly — especially when someone does not know it is present.

Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous

Illicit fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs to increase potency and profit. Many people exposed to fentanyl — including teens — are not seeking it out.
There is no reliable way to see, smell, or taste fentanyl. Pills, powders, or other substances may look identical to non-fentanyl versions.

How Kids Are Being Exposed to Fentanyl

Fentanyl has been found mixed into:

• Pills made to look like prescription medications (Percocet, Oxycodone, Xanax)
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Heroin
• Occasionally marijuana (rare, but documented)

Fake prescription pills are one of the most common sources of fentanyl exposure among teens and young adults.

Signs of Fentanyl or Opioid Use

Signs are not always obvious, but may include:

Physical signs

• Extreme drowsiness or “nodding off”
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Nausea or vomiting

Behavioral signs

• Sudden secrecy about phone or online activity
• Mood swings or withdrawal from family
• Changes in friends or routines
• Missing money or unexplained packages

One sign alone does not mean drug use. Patterns and changes over time matter most.

How to Start the Conversation

You don’t need to have a single “big talk.” Small, ongoing conversations build trust.

Helpful principles:

• Lead with curiosity, not assumptions
• Listen more than you talk
• Stay calm, even if you feel worried
• Keep the focus on safety, not punishment

What These Conversations Can Sound Like

These are examples — not scripts. Use language that feels natural to you.

Example 1: Opening the Door

Parent:
“I want to talk about something I’ve been hearing about — fentanyl. Not because I think you’re doing anything wrong, but because it’s showing up in places people don’t expect. What have you heard?”
Why this works: Explains why you’re talking without accusing.

Example 2: Explaining Hidden Risk

Parent:
“One of the scary things about fentanyl is that people don’t always know it’s there. Even one exposure can be dangerous. That’s not meant to scare you — it’s meant to help you stay safe.”
Why this works: Clear and factual without being alarmist.

Example 3: Talking About Parties or Peer Pressure

Parent:
“If you’re ever in a situation where someone offers you something and you’re not sure what it is, I want you to know you can always call or text me to get out of there.”

Child:
“Even if it’s late?”

Parent:
“Especially if it’s late. Your safety matters more than rules.”

Why this works: Creates a safety plan, not consequences.

Example 4: If a Child Pushes Back

Child:
“No one I know is doing that.”

Parent:
“I hope that’s true. My job isn’t to assume the worst — it’s to make sure you’re prepared just in case.”

Why this works: Keeps the conversation open.

How Fentanyl Is Bought and Shared Today

Many drugs containing fentanyl are sold through social media and messaging apps.

Common tactics include:

• Emojis and slang to signal drugs for sale
• Moving conversations to encrypted apps (Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram)
• Payment through peer-to-peer apps or cryptocurrency
• Delivery through mail or local drop-offs

Because sales happen online, parents may not see traditional warning signs.

How Parents Can Help Protect Their Kids

• Talk openly and often about drug risks
• Set clear expectations about not taking pills or substances that aren’t prescribed
• Stay informed about social media and messaging apps
• Encourage kids to come to you if they see or are offered drugs
• Learn about naloxone (Narcan) and how to access it

Trusted Resources

• DEA – One Pill Can Kill
  https://www.dea.gov/onepill
• CDC – Fentanyl & Overdose Prevention
  https://www.cdc.gov/overdose/prevention/fentanyl.html
• Addicted.org – Parent Guide to Fentanyl
  https://www.addicted.org/news/parents-guide-to-fentanyl/
• Ohio Department of Health – Naloxone Information
  https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/violence-injury-prevention-program/naloxone