The time to talk to your children about prescription and illegal drug abuse is now, according to a new article by the Taunton Daily Gazette.
The DEA’s Warning
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a warning about counterfeit prescription drugs from Mexico. These fake pills contain fentanyl and can kill you almost instantly. Brian Boyle, New England’s special agent, explains:
“It’s kind of like Russian roulette, you don’t know what you’re going to get. One pill may have zero fentanyl, the next pill could [be] 100% fentanyl…within 10 minutes, you could be dead.”
Convincing Counterfeits
In his interview with the Taunton Daily Gazette, Boyle also emphasized that experts and medical professionals may be unable to tell the difference between real opioid painkillers and those being produced in Mexican cartels. With rates of drug addiction at an all-time high due to the nationwide opioid epidemic, this could put New England communities at risk. Thousands upon thousands of illegal pills are funneling into Massachusetts and the United States, and 27% of them contain lethal amounts of fentanyl.
The Party Problem
When teenagers attend parties, they may be unaware of the risks.
“Kids are going to parties and they’re basically thinking they’re taking an OxyContin pill that’s a painkiller. In reality, they could be taking a fatal dose of fentanyl,” said Boyle.
This is why it’s crucial that you talk to your kids about opioids. Even if they’re not yet old enough to go to parties, having the right information can help keep them safe.
Protecting Your Family’s Interests
If your child is injured by counterfeit painkillers, accidents in school, or another hazard, our personal injury attorneys may be able to help.
To protect those you love and preserve their future after a devastating injury or loss, call (508) 206-9900 today – and don’t forget to schedule a free consultation.