Fentanyl: One of the most dangerous substances that illegal suppliers of Xanax lace their product with is Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin, and 100 times more powerful than morphine, and is finding its way into counterfeit Xanax sold on American streets. As little as three to five grains of the substance, (similar to grains of salt) are enough for a fatal dose. A child, or an adult, taking a counterfeit pill just to relax, may never wake up again. It is as frightening as it sounds, but important to be aware of and vigilant about with your children.

What can parents do: Similar to the use of any substance, insight, knowledge, and open lines of communication are essential. Additional approaches include:

• Knowing the signs and symptoms
• Do not take any use lightly. Accidental death can easily occur, even if a child does not have a problem with abuse of dependency of the drug.
• Educate and implore your children to not obtain any drugs illegally. There is no way to know what is in the pill they are taking. They must understand that the suppliers of the drugs do not have their interest or safety as a concern.
  Monitor your prescription drugs, and keep them safe and secure. Dispose of drugs that are not being used. Police stations and hospitals have drug drop off programs.
• If your child is experimenting with benzos, get medical help. Any discontinuation of the drug must be monitored by a physician to ensure health and safety.

28 Sep 2021 | Jaime Puerta

DEAD ON ARRIVAL (SHORT FILM PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT)

Connecticut Post Aug 15, 2020 – Opinion: Talk to family about dangers of street drugs

Trumbull Times Aug 17, 2020 – Trumbull family’s opioid tragedy put them on a mission

The Partnership for Safe Medicines – Jake Beddoe Sheltered From COVID-19, Only To Die From Fake Xanax

Trumbull Times Oct 4, 2021 – Trumbull mom ‘on a mission’ after son’s death

Fentanyl Changes Everything – The Fentanyl Awareness Coalition [PDF] Jake’s photo included

Drug-induced Homicide – Victims List – Jake’s profile

Trumbull Times Nov 04, 2024 – Trumbull sister speaks on honoring her late brother who died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020

Partnership for Safe Medicines – Working together to protect the safety of your drugs 

You Think You Know – State of Connecticut, Prevention Resources for Parents, Young Adults, and Educators

Song for Charlie – Real talk about fake pills #onepillcankill Take the pledge

Stop The VOID – (Victims of Illicit Drugs)