#21: What You Need To Know To Talk To Your Teen About Fentanyl

Risky behavior is inherent in teens and tweens. Risk taking is a necessary part of growing up and learning to be independent. But many of these risks could literally cost them their life. Using drugs is one of those life endangering activities, especially with more and more illicit fentanyl being introduced into the drug supply by Mexican drug cartels. According to the DEA, these cartels illicitly manufacture the extremely potent, and potentially deadly synthetic opioid in clandestine “laboratories” and smuggle it into the US in the form of powder (for “cutting” into heroin and cocaine) and counterfeit pills. They do this because it’s extremely cheap to make, and very potent so a little bit goes a long way to stretch the other drugs out – and it’s extremely addictive and makes for repeat customers (if they don’t die first).These counterfeit pills are made with a mixture of fentanyl and other chemicals and manufactured to look like the drugs teenagers gravitate towards (for parties, experimentation, and self-medicating). Fentanyl has been found in fake Adderall, Oxycontin, Percocet, Dilaudid, Xanax, MDMA (molly or ecstasy). And the amount that would fit on the tip of a pencil can be lethal…and has been for way too many.From 2019 to 2021, deaths from fentanyl overdoses tripled in teenagers. And teens don’t have to look too hard for the deadly pills. Snapchat and other social media platforms are teeming with dealers who seek your kid out and market to them. Please take the time to learn about the danger fentanyl poses to your teen or tween and how to talk to them about it so they will actually hear you.  Show Notes and TranscriptFind our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. You can reach out to me with ideas for the show or guest suggestions here. Thanks so much for listening!3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!Check out the podcast on YouTube!Email Ann at [email protected] Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram  Read ...