When Eli Myers and Kyle Santoro lost friends to fentanyl overdoses in high school, they were shocked by the lack of information and education about the dangers of the synthetic opioid. Now, as young adults, they have taken it upon themselves to educate their peers about the risks of fentanyl poisoning.
Through film projects like Fentanyl High, Santoro and Myers aim to start conversations and create awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. They have held educational screenings and discussions, urging school officials to prioritize listening and truth-telling over punitive measures when addressing drug use among teens.
In light of the alarming increase in teen overdose deaths due to fake pills laced with fentanyl, experts emphasize the importance of modern drug education programs in schools. Teens today are less likely to use drugs compared to previous generations, but the drugs they do try are more deadly due to the prevalence of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
By sharing their personal experiences and creating platforms for open dialogue, Myers and Santoro hope to break the stigma surrounding drug use and make information on drug safety more accessible. Their efforts highlight the need for a community-based approach to addressing the teenage fentanyl overdose crisis, emphasizing the importance of communication, education, and empathy in preventing further tragedies.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
