Parent Alert September 2022
Back to School: Keeping Students Safe from Counterfeit Pills
It is that time of year again! Students are flooding back into classrooms and our commutes are being interrupted waiting for the bus to pull their stop sign back in. As our students get back into the day to day routine of homework and after-school events they may be looking for ways to get ahead and stay on top of everything they have going on. Some students turn to Adderall for help. Adderall is most commonly used as treatment for symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but is also used by some students who falsely believe that Adderall and other ADHD medications will help them do better in school by increasing their focus and reading comprehension skills. Students who are looking for Adderall may buy counterfeit pills. Unfortunately, they are not aware that these counterfeit pills could contain fentanyl.
Fentanyl is often added to other drugs to increase their potency and effects, and is impossible to detect because it cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Two Ohio State students tragically died of an overdose from counterfeit Adderall that was laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl. Adderall is not the only pill that is being counterfeited. Other commonly counterfeited pills include Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Xanax. Cases like this are unfortunate and tragic, but there are steps you can take to help keep your child safe.
Communication with the student in your life is key. Talk to them about the dangers of using drugs, and ask them what they need help with to successfully make it through the school year. You can also work with their school to locate resources to help them with studying and homework if they are struggling. These conversations are not always easy, but they make a big impact on youth and the community as a whole. Fentanyl is wreaking havoc in communities across the U.S., and a great tool you can use to fight the spread is to talk about it and bring awareness to the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. School should be about learning and fun, and with this information, as well as the information listed below, you can be more prepared to make this school year safer and more fun for all students.
Additional Information
Adderall Does Not Improve School Performance in College Students Without ADHD
CDC: Fentanyl Facts
Ohio State Warns of Fake Adderall Pills After Two Students Die
What is ‘rainbow fentanyl?’ Nationwide, officials report ‘deadly’ colorful pills, powder (USA Today)
September is National Recovery Month. Since 1989, this month has been used to increase public awareness of mental health and addiction recovery. Addiction is a disease that many people battle including members of our community. This month highlights the importance of supporting those with the disease of addiction, and learning about resources and treatment methods that can be used to help those living with addiction. Our community has local resources that can be used for those in need. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction please use the contact information listed below to be linked to treatment and other helpful resources.
National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Visit SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) website for more information about National Recovery Month 2022 as well as other important resources.
Local Resource
OneEighty: Contact OneEighty at 330-264-8498 or visit the OneEighty website for information about local resources and treatment options.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This month is meant to highlight the importance of having difficult conversations about mental health and suicide, sharing information with those who are impacted by suicide, and ensuring that there is access to resources for those in need. Suicide is a difficult topic to talk about, but it is very important to have conversations about suicide because you never know who may need help. Approximately 800,000 people die from suicide each year according to the World Health Organization. A major step was taken towards helping people struggling with suicidal thoughts when the new mental health hotline was launched in July 2022. This number is 988, and it can be texted or called by anyone having a mental health crisis including suicidal ideation. Additional resources and information for helping those in crisis can be found at the links below.
National Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
NAMI: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
Local Resources
OneEighty provides a variety of mental health services – call us today to learn more: 330-264-8498
Wayne and Holmes Counties Crisis Hotline: 330-264-9029
Crises Text Line in Ohio: Text “4HOPE” to 741 741
Thank you for being a vital part of our community!
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Our mailing address is:
Rittman SALT Coalition
c/o 104 Spink St.
Wooster, OH 44691
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