News from the front lines of the fentanyl awareness battlefield. 
Due to the threat of tariffs the Trump administration is getting the attention of Mexico and Canada to address the fentanyl crisis. In recent weeks reports indicate that Mexico is placing 10,000 soldiers at the southern border. They are also conducting operations to destroy drug laboratories of the Sinaloa Cartel. Canada has also committed to additional authorities at the northern border and is creating a “fentanyl czar.”
President Trump said he intends to roll out a “large scale” advertising campaign aimed at informing Americans of the dangers of fentanyl.
Since the U.S. and Mexico reached that deal Mexican authorities have captured five tons of meth, 453 kilos of cocaine and 55 kilos of fentanyl. One single kilogram of fentanyl can kill up to a half a million people.
The efforts of government and grassroots fentanyl awareness organizations are having a positive impact. While statistics are not always clear, deaths due to overdose are said to have declined in 2024.
Despite good news on the frontlines of the battle against fentanyl this war is far from over.
Unfortunately, the current culture that glorifies drugs and alcohol has crept into Wisconsin. Along with the culture and social media, illicit drugs are prevalent, it is a mine field, and the consequences of usage can be deadly.
While there are many battle lines to the crisis none is as important as those conversations in our homes.
Most Teens Do Not Know the Danger
When we were growing up, the message about drugs was simple: “Just say no.”
Today it is a different world.
Drugs are easier to get, and the risks are more serious – especially with fentanyl lurking in places you would never expect. Fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is especially dangerous because people are often unaware that fentanyl has been added. A single pill can be deadly, and most people have no clue they are even taking it.
Today, kids face new dangers – drugs are more accessible, harder to detect, and more deadly. There are too many stories in the news featuring young people killed by fentanyl poisoning. It is not just happening to kids who you think are ‘bad’ or ‘troubled.’ It is happening in middle and high schools across America.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of stories like Alexander, 14 years old who bought a single prescription pill on Snapchat to experiment alone in his room. The (fake) pill contained a lethal dose of fentanyl – enough fentanyl to kill four people.
Drug dealers no longer must stand on shady street corners. They can now connect with kids online through social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Buying drugs is as easy as ordering pizza.
Parents should watch for strange, out-of-the-ordinary behaviors from their kids that may indicate that they are looking for an escape and might be misusing fentanyl or other substances to help them escape.
This includes:
- Withdrawing from sports or other activities that they once enjoyed
- Grades are getting worse.
- Isolating themselves from friends and family
- Spending time with new, different friends
- Having noticeably less money or asking for money frequently.
- Getting caught stealing
“Start the Conversation Now”
Now is the right time, no matter how young or old your kids are.
Talking to teens about drugs can feel overwhelming – especially when the landscape is constantly changing. But here is the truth: what they do not know can hurt them.
The DEA seized 80+ million counterfeit pills last year and found that 5 out of 10 pills contained lethal doses of fentanyl. Those at risk include casual users, partygoers, experimenters, regular users, and even unsuspecting bystanders who may encounter the powerful opioid.
Kids and teens are curious by nature and are often falling into this “experimentation” category. This is extremely dangerous and can be lethal because One Pill / Can Kill.
These discussions with your children form a family bond that has the potential to build a foundation for them to make healthy choices throughout their lives.
For additional information please visit.
- NaturalHigh.org
If you would like additional information or have an interest in a speaker for your group, church or place of business please feel free to contact Mark Mantey via email at mjstate@gmail.com.
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