As students head back to school, the pressure to succeed and fit in can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Focusing in the classroom can be a challenge, and many students may need ADHD medications for help. However, it is crucial to remind these young minds to never share their medication with friends. Well-intended peers could give a friend, who forgot their medication, a pill, not knowing it’s fake. That one pill can kill.
The rise of counterfeit pills poses a significant threat, and these fake pills can be lethal.
A Growing Threat in Oklahoma
In July, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) seized 23 kilos of fentanyl being trafficked across the state. According to OBN, this amount is enough to produce a quarter-million fentanyl pills. The presence of such a large quantity of fentanyl in Oklahoma underscores the danger that fake pills present to the community.
The Role of Social Media
Many teenagers are now buying drugs online and via social media platforms. Some might be trying to handle stress independently, fearful of asking their parents for help, while others might be reselling these drugs for profit. Open conversations with your teen about mental health and the dangers of fake pills could help keep them alive.
Dr. Sara Coffey, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, emphasizes the importance of parental involvement.
“Caregiver involvement is crucial for adolescents. This can be a challenge during the adolescent years when youth often feel more connected to their peers. In addition to spending more time with their peers, youth are more prone to take risks and can often be influenced by their peers to take these risks. Caregiver involvement and youth participation in pro-social activities like sports, the arts and other community endeavors can help youth feel connected and offer them a way to express themselves and regulate the big emotions often associated with adolescence,” Coffey said.
Staying Informed and Vigilant
Cell phones and social media come with their own challenges, but establishing expectations can help.
“Caregivers should know that not every child has a phone, although it might seem like it at times,” Coffey said. “Youth should understand that having a phone is a privilege rather than a right, and with this privilege comes responsibilities. Having the conversation with your child before they have a phone can be most helpful, but caregivers should know it is never too late to discuss expectations. Oftentimes, youth aren’t even aware of what the expectations are. Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have helpful information in navigating this often-changing world.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration also offers a helpful resource called the ‘Emoji Drug Code Decoded,’ which can aid in identifying potential drug-related conversations online.
Conclusion
As the school year begins, it is vital to prioritize safety and awareness. Educating students about the dangers of sharing medication and the risks of counterfeit pills
Contact the NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic at OSU at 918-561-1890 to schedule an appointment. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911. For immediate and confidential emotional support, please call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.