The Deadly Reality of Fentanyl How to Protect Our Children and Save Lives

Dear Reader,

I know I’ve brought this up before, but I feel like I can’t talk about it enough. Fentanyl is killing our kids, and it’s not slowing down. It’s destroying lives, tearing families apart, and creating a crisis that we need to face head-on. This is why I’m bringing it up again—it’s just too important, and it’s worth discussing over and over until we can find ways to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Fentanyl is not like other drugs. It’s 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and is often mixed into other substances—drugs that kids think are harmless or safe. The thing is, it only takes an amount smaller than a grain of salt to be deadly. That’s why it’s so terrifying. Kids might think they’re taking something like Xanax or Adderall, but what they don’t realize is that these pills, often sold on the street or online, are frequently laced with fentanyl. And it only takes one lousy pill to end their life.

What breaks my heart is that most kids who get caught up in this didn’t intend to mess with something so dangerous. They don’t even know what they’re dealing with. Fentanyl is often hidden in other drugs and our kids—whether through experimentation, peer pressure, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time—are being exposed to it without realizing how deadly it is.

I care deeply about kids and families. I’ve seen the devastation caused by fentanyl. I’ve talked to parents and grandparents who never thought this would happen to them. They never imagined their child, their grandchild, could be the one to fall victim to this crisis. But fentanyl doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are, where you live, or how careful you think you’re being. That’s why I’m urging every parent and grandparent to take this seriously.

How You Can Help

You have more power than you think. Start by having open and honest conversations with your kids about drugs. I know it’s tough, and they might roll their eyes or act like they’re not listening, but they hear you. Let them know the real risks. Make sure they understand that even trying something once can have irreversible consequences. This isn’t the kind of thing where you get a second chance. One pill—just one—can kill them. Make sure they understand that.

Stay involved in their lives. Know who their friends are, where they’re spending their time, and what they’re doing online. These days, drugs like fentanyl can be bought through social media or websites, and you might not even know what’s happening right under your nose. Educate yourself on the warning signs. If you notice changes in behavior, sudden mood shifts, or your child becoming more secretive, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

It’s also essential to be aware of the signs of an overdose. Fentanyl overdoses can happen fast, and knowing what to look for can save a life. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, blue or grayish skin, and unconsciousness. If you see these signs, call 911 immediately, and if you have access to naloxone (Narcan), use it. Narcan can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose if administered in time, and it’s something I encourage everyone to learn about and keep on hand.

Another important step is to keep communication open with other parents, teachers, and your community. This is a problem we need to face together. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we can build. If we work together, we can help protect our kids and stop this drug from ruining more lives.

Why We Can’t Ignore the Problem

I know it’s uncomfortable to think about, but fentanyl is out there, and it’s everywhere. It’s showing up in cities, suburbs, and small towns across the country. No one is immune from this threat. We can’t afford to turn a blind eye or assume it won’t affect our family because the truth is, it can.

This crisis is bigger than any one of us, but we all have a role to play. Whether it’s talking to your kids, staying informed, or working with your community to spread awareness, we all need to do something. Every life we save, every tragedy we prevent, matters.

I care deeply about our community, and I feel a responsibility to keep bringing this up. We can’t afford to stay quiet. We can’t afford to think it’s not our problem.

Until next time, stay safe and be sure to talk to your teenagers.

Paul Samakow

Paul Samakow
Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515