TRENTON, NJ – As spring break nears, many students plan trips to destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico for a much-needed break from academics. Yet, there’s a lurking danger: the presence of fentanyl-laced street drugs. The opioid epidemic has introduced fentanyl, a potent opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, into the drug market. This has made it a deadly factor in drug-related deaths.
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is now warning parents of the extreme and potentially deadly risk of party drugs during Spring Break.
Fentanyl’s strength is alarming, especially since it’s often mixed with street-purchased “study aids” or party drugs unbeknownst to users. The New Jersey State Police found that 98% of heroin seizures included fentanyl, which is also mixed with cocaine and methamphetamines. These statistics highlight the drug’s widespread availability.
The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose are distinct and severe, including slowed breathing, bluish skin, and unresponsiveness. Immediate action, such as calling 911 and administering Narcan, can be lifesaving. Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, is available without a prescription in New Jersey.
The main message, however, is one of prevention. There is no such thing as a safe street drug, with the risk of encountering fentanyl-laced substances being high and the outcomes potentially fatal. This danger underscores the importance of educating young people about the risks of drug use, particularly the unseen threat of fentanyl.
Parents, educators, and leaders are urged to inform youths about this risk. The aim is to ensure that spring break is a time of joy, not tragedy, reminding everyone that in the realm of street drugs, safety is an illusion. Awareness and caution are paramount in avoiding the dangers of fentanyl.