FACTS Fight Fentanyl toolkit
Toolkit Highlight
Youth and Family
What's The Purpose
This toolkit is designed to help youth, parents, caregivers, schools, and community members understand fentanyl, prevent overdose, talk about substance use, and respond in case of an emergency.
Tips and Facts
What Families and Youth Need to Know About Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much stronger than many other opioids.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl can be prescribed by doctors for severe pain, but illegally made
fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills and other drugs, creating a substantial risk for
accidental overdose. Counterfeit pills may look like real prescription medications but can
hold lethal amounts of fentanyl.
How Families Can Help
Parents and caregivers can help protect youth by having calm, honest, and repeated
conversations about fentanyl and counterfeit pills. Families should encourage youth to
never take medication that was not prescribed to them and obtained from a licensed
pharmacy. Families can also safely store medications, properly dispose of unused
prescriptions, and make sure youth know how to ask for help.
Conversation Tips for Parents and Caregivers
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Talk openly about fentanyl and fake pills.
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Listen first to what youth have heard.
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Make a safety plan for parties and social situations.
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Remind them they can call for help without fear.
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Never take unknown pills from anyone or online.
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Avoid pills from social media.
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Call 911 right away if someone may be overdosing.
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Learn to use naloxone to help save lives.
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How Youth Can Protect Themselves and Their Friends
Youth should never take pills from friends, strangers, or online sellers. Avoid pills bought
through social media and call 911 immediately if someone may be overdosing. Learning
how to use naloxone can also help save lives.
TED Talk: What Young People Should Know About Fentanyl
TED Talk: A parent’s guide to battling addiction
TED Talk: The New F Word - Fentanyl
Signs of an Opioid Overdose
Signs may include slow or stopped breathing, blue or gray lips, pinpoint pupils, pale skin, vomiting, or inability to wake up. An overdose is a medical emergency and requires immediate action.
Naloxone Saves Lives
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time.
Naloxone is safe to use if someone may be overdosing and emergency medical help should still be called even after it is administered.
What To Do During a Suspected Overdose
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Give naloxone if available.
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
4. Place the person on their side.
5. Stay with them until help arrives.
6. Give another dose of naloxone after 2–3 minutes if there is no response.
How To Use Narcan (Naloxone)
Supporting Youth Without Shame
Youth are more likely to ask for help when they feel safe and supported. Use supportivelanguage, focus on safety first, and encourage open communication without shame orjudgment.
TED Talk : My Son Danny: The Truth About Substance Use, Stigma and Overdose
When to Get More Help
Families should seek additional support if a young person is misusing substances, experiencing mental health concerns, or showing major behavioral changes. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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SAMHSA: Helping Families Cope with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
This SAMHSA resource provides families with information and support for helping loved ones affected by mental health or substance use disorders. It offers guidance on communication, treatment, recovery, and self-care while emphasizing that recovery is possible.
A Story That Could Save a Life: TED TALK Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Teenagers
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Family Safety Checklist
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• Talk with youth about fentanyl and counterfeit pills.
• Store medications safely.
• Dispose of unused medications.
• Learn the signs of overdose.
• Keep naloxone available if possible.
• Teach youth how to call 911.
• Create a family safety plan.
• Know local treatment and crisis resources.
Youth Safety Message
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You matter. Your life matters. If you or a friend may have taken something unsafe, call 911right away. A fast response can save a life.
Sources
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fentanyl Facts:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fentanyl Awareness Day Toolkit:
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Talk. They
Hear You. Campaign: -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Responding to an Overdose:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Naloxone Information:
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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Naloxone DrugFacts: