The Fentanyl Crisis
“One pill can kill.”
That’s not just a slogan. It’s a reality that’s claiming the lives of thousands of young people across the country — often without warning.
At Art Not Drugs, we’re committed to giving youth the tools they need to stay safe, stay informed, and make choices that protect their future. And right now, that includes raising awareness about fentanyl — a synthetic opioid that’s changing the drug landscape in deadly ways.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It was originally designed for extreme pain — like in cancer patients — but has now made its way into the street drug supply in dangerous forms.
The worst part? Most teens who overdose on fentanyl didn’t even know they were taking it.
Where Is It Found?
Today, fentanyl is being mixed into fake pills — made to look like real medications like:
Percocet
Xanax
OxyContin
Adderall
Dealers sell them online or through social media, targeting teens who think they’re getting a legit pill. But these are counterfeit drugs, often made in illegal labs, and just one pill can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl .
The Risk to Youth
Fentanyl is now the #1 cause of death for Americans aged 18–45
Over 75,000 people died of synthetic opioid overdoses in the U.S. last year
Many victims are first-time or casual users who didn’t know what they were taking
Fentanyl-laced pills are cheap, easy to get, and sold on apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram
What Parents and Teens Can Do
Get Educated
Learn the signs of overdose:
Slow or no breathing
Blue lips or fingernails
Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
Talk Early and Often
Have honest conversations about the risks of experimenting with pills, peer pressure, and the reality of today’s drug scene.
Never Take a Pill Not Prescribed by a Doctor
Even if it looks real — if it didn’t come from a pharmacy, it could be fake. There’s no way to know just by looking at it.
Carry Narcan (Naloxone)
It’s a life-saving overdose reversal spray. AND can help connect youth or families with Narcan training and resources.
What We’re Doing at Art Not Drugs
We believe education and expression are the most powerful forms of prevention. That’s why our curriculum includes:
Real-life drug awareness discussions
Fentanyl-specific workshops
Community art projects that spread the message
Safe spaces where youth can ask questions and get the truth
Help Us Save Lives
Fentanyl isn’t a “big city” problem it’s everywhere, from small towns to suburbs. And it's hitting our youth hard.
At AND, we don’t just talk about prevention we live it. Through art, mentorship, and trauma-informed education, we give young people a way out and a way up.
Support our mission. Share this message. Sponsor a class. Donate art supplies. Help us reach the next teen before it’s too late.
Contact Us
Because one pill shouldn't be the end of a young person's story.
Let’s fight back with truth, creativity, and community.