Fentanyl: Facts for the Digital World

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 aneal Drugs, Opioids, social media, Substance Use, Trends

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”19px||0px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]You may have seen some recent articles on the RAYSAC News page about fentanyl, but what exactly is fentanyl?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ width=”100%” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but up to 100 times more powerful. Fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, but because it is so powerful, it is also illegally manufactured and sold. Fentanyl is so strong that very small doses can cause an overdose or death.

Recently, criminal drug organizations have been adding fentanyl as an ingredient in their counterfeit pills to increase their profits on the black market. However, a person may think these pills are authentic painkillers, when they are actually fakes that contain fentanyl. This can lead to unintentional overdose or death. In fact, according to a Virginia Department of Health report, fentanyl was involved in 71% of all drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020. The number of fentanyl overdose deaths has risen sharply over the past 5 years.¹

Unfortunately, social media has made it easier for dealers to sell drugs online, even to youth. Drug dealers can create anonymous profiles to sell illegal pills (potentially containing lethal amounts of fentanyl), often using coded messages and emojis.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/faux_fentynal_lethal_dose.jpg” alt=”DEA illustration of 2 milligrams of fentanyl next to a penny.” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ animation=”off” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Image source: Drug Enforcement Administration (dea.gov/onepill)[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jarod Forget” job_title=”Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division” company_name=”Quoted at this link²” url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jarod-Forget.jpg” quote_icon=”off” quote_icon_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”17px” author_font_size=”14px” position_font_size=”14px” company_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” company_text_color=”#0C71C3″ company_font_size=”14px” link_option_url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22quote_icon_color%22%93}”]“Unfortunately, our kids are much more savvy with social media than we are. And they are the ones we see finding this stuff and dying from it. We must spread the word and stop this from happening in our communities.”[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]So what can we do about this fentanyl problem?

First, protect yourself by only taking medicine as instructed. Follow the directions on the medicine’s label, and do not share prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take; ask about their side effects and interactions with other substances. Do not take pills if you are not sure they came from a licensed pharmacy.

Next, have a conversation with the youth and young adults in your life. Share reliable information with them about the risks of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and drug misuse. Have a conversation about social media and how youth can protect themselves online. If you are a parent or guardian, monitor your kids’ online habits and consider using parental control settings to block unsafe websites. You can also learn about the latest social media trends and what different emojis mean. The DEA has listed some examples of emojis used to sell drugs online at this link: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf

Finally, share this information with others. You can help raise awareness of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and ways we can protect each other. And if you would like to get rid of any unwanted medications in your home, visit TakeThemBack.org to find a secure disposal box location near you.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_style_top=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References

1. Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (Jan 2022). Fatal drug overdose quarterly report – 3rd quarter 2021. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/18/2022/01/Quarterly-Drug-Death-Report-FINAL-Q3-2021.pdf

2. DEA Washington Division, Public Information Office. (Feb 16, 2022). Fentanyl deaths climbing, DEA Washington continues the fight. https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight

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Social Media on My Mind: Building Positive Connections

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 aneal Bullying, Healthy Behaviors, Life, Mental Health, social media

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Smartphones and social media have revolutionized the ways we interact with technology and with each other. Social media can be a beneficial technology. It allows us to find news and information, share fun content, and connect with old friends or make new ones. For some of us, social media is a vital means of connection when we are unable to interact face-to-face.

But sometimes social media can be harmful as well. With nearly 9 out of every 10 teenagers reporting they use the Internet at least several times a day¹, it is important to know the potential pitfalls of social media and how to avoid them. Here are some key points about social media use, especially among youth and young adults:

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Depression and Anxiety

While social media is a great way to connect with friends, problems can appear if too much importance is placed on likes and comments. If someone posts a picture and does not get as many likes or comments as they expected, they might feel disappointed, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also appear if someone compares their posts to those of others, who seem to have perfect lives.

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Poor Body Image

It is common for social media celebrities to make posts about dieting and exercising to lose weight or increase athletic performance. But it is also common to filter or edit these images to artificially boost the person’s appearance. When someone compares themself to these unrealistic ideals, they can feel badly about their body image, appearance, or value as a person.

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Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is when bullying happens online. Sadly, online bullying can be worse than face-to-face bullying because it is easy to hide from parents and teachers, and it can be posted anonymously and publicly. Bullies might be more cruel online because they are not seeing their victim’s face-to-face. Cyberbullying can lead to sadness, low self-esteem, violence, and thoughts of suicide.

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Like many things, the key to healthy social media use is moderation. There are great benefits to using social media, but you may be surprised at how beneficial it is to take some time off from social media. In fact, one study published in 2020 found that people who deactivated their Facebook account for a month reported lower depression and anxiety, and greater satisfaction with life.² Whether for a month or just for a few hours this evening, try taking a break from social media and focusing on your mental well-being.

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Here are some tips to help you set boundaries and improve your digital wellness:

Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day.
Try taking one day off from all social media each week.
Remind yourself that people only share their best moments online – everyone has problems, even if you don’t see them!
Make sure to spend time with the people and activities you enjoy in the real world.
Get familiar with your privacy settings on social media sites. If someone is bullying or harassing you online, you can block them from contacting you or report them to the site’s administrators. Some sites also allow you to hide content that you don’t want to see, without alerting the post’s creator.

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Most smartphones now have settings you can use to help track and limit your time on social media apps. For Apple devices, click here to learn more about Screen Time. For Android devices, click here to learn more about Digital Wellness.

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References:

1. Pew Research Center. (May 2018). “Teens, Social Media, & Technology 2018”. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/

2. Allcott, H., Braghieri, L., Eichmeyer, S., & Gentzkow, M. (2020). “The welfare effects of social media.” American Economic Review, 110(3): 629-76. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20190658

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2021 Red Ribbon Week Student and School Contest Award Winners

November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 aneal Drugs, Healthy Behaviors, Life, social media, Substance Use, Trends

RAYSAC would like to congratulate all of the 2021 Red Ribbon Week Student and School Award Winners! We had several submissions for the media contest from all over the valley, and some great talent! As always, our valley area schools rose to the occassion, and blew us away with their hard work and dedication to making this week a huge SUCCESS! Everyone should be proud of themselves, and we at RAYSAC wish we could give awards to every entry, because you all deserved it! Below are the student contest winners by grade level, and the school contest winners. Congratulations to all!!!.

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3rd Place- Abby Craft- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Cora Crowder- McCleary Elementary

1st Place-Benjamin Williams- Troutville Elementary

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3rd Place- Lilly Swindell-McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Ryleigh Neff- McCleary Elementary

1rst Place- Ashlynn Hale-Smith- McCleary Elementary

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3rd Place– Emma Lindsey- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Makenzley McCormick- McCleary Elementary

1st Place- Isabelle Williams- Troutville Elementary

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3rd place- Kamberleigh Smith- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Rylee Mattox- McCleary Elementary

1st Place- Colton Molyneux- Troutville Elementary

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3rd Place- Cameron Vess- Troutville Elementary

2nd Place- Asher Everette- Fort Lewis Elementary

1st Place- Chloe Wilson- Grandin Court Elementary

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3rd Place: Alasdair Hackworth- Grandin Court Elementary

2nd Place: Finley Biddle- Grandin Court Elementary

1st Place- Kaylyn Sutfin- Grandin Court Elementary

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3rd Place- Aahana Magu- Hidden Valley Middle School

2nd Place- Luca Dorlini- Hidden Valley Middle School

1st Place- Ashlynn Shabana- Hidden Valley Middle School

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Social Media and Substance Use

September 1, 2019October 1, 2021 aneal Healthy Behaviors, social media, Substance Use

The social media era is upon us and everyone always seems to have a device of some sort in their hands. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or any of the others, three out of four Americans use at least one social networking site². Social media accounts help us to make connections all over the world with a variety of different people. They allow us to talk with friends and family that may be hours away or just down the hall from us.

Social media is known to be a source for updating users on news, discussions, and most famously talking about opinions and feelings. There is, however, a dark side to this social media world. It harvests all kinds of ads and comments on drugs and alcohol. One study was able to conclude that social media users talk about the opioid epidemic on a variety of topics; how to abuse opioids, where to buy opioids, the social impact of opioid abuse and opioid withdrawal⁴. On the flip side, there are also many social media accounts on the internet that are trying to increase knowledge and spread information on substance use. There is so much information available to us at just a click of a button. Information is power and social media has the ability to give us that information quickly, but at what cost? There are many pros and cons to the social media world, below are just a few:

Pros:
· It allows teens to stay informed on current events and technology¹.
· It is easier to study and carry out research¹.
· It can boost self-esteem¹.
· It keeps teens connected to friends and family⁵.
· It can make them feel less alone or isolated⁵.
· It allows teens to share ideas and explore their creative sides⁵.

Cons:
· Teens can be exposed to cyberbullyng, depression and other mental health issues¹.
· It can decrease productivity levels¹.
· It can destroy social skills and self-esteem¹.
· It can lead to the sharing of too much information¹.
· There have been reports of social media being used as a strategy for selling drugs³.
· Teens are exposed to tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alcohol ads from industry and posts about substances by their friends³.

The internet has allowed us to have so much ease with research and connectivity, but with the development of social media platforms, it has opened the doors for exposure to topics like substance use. It can either glorify substance use, or help to inform us on the dangers of them. Parents, take the time to discuss the dangers of social media and set limits on its use with your teens.

References:

1. Austin, K.. (2016). The Pros and cons of teens on Social media. PhoneSheriff. 23 June 2016. http://www.phonesheriff.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-teens-on-social-media/

2. Chary, M., Genes, N., Giraud-Carrier, C., Hanson, C., Nelson, L., Manini, A., (2017). Epidemiology from Tweets: Estimating Misuse of Prescription Opioids in USA from Social Media. Journal of Medical Toxicology. December 2017, 13(4), 278-286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5711756/

3. Costello, C., Ramo, D. (2017). Social Media and Substance Use: What Should We Be Recommending to Teens and Their Parents? Journal of Adolescent Health. 60 (2017) 629-630. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(17)30158-1/pdf

4. Pandrekar, S., Chen, X., Gopalkrishna, G., Srivastava, A., Saltz, M., Saltz, J., & Wang, F. (2018). Social Media Based Analysis of Opioid Epidemic Using Reddit. AMIA. Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium, December 2018, 867–876. https://ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371364/

5. TISPY. 7 Pros and Cons of Social Media for Teens and How Parents Can Monitor It. TISPY: Parental Monitoring Software. https://tispy.net/blog/pros-cons-of-social-media-for-teens

Social Media Causes Isolation in Teens

March 20, 2018March 21, 2018 aneal Healthy Behaviors, Life, Mental Health, social media, Trends, Uncategorized Leave a comment

Social media was originally thought to be something that would expand our worldview and help us feel connected to people who don’t live in our neighborhood. With only a few swipes on their smartphones, teens can now meet more people, develop relationships and have more opportunities for seeing beyond the world around them… or so it may seem. What’s actually happening is that teens are becoming more sheltered and less independent than any generation before them.

According to social psychologist Jean Twenge:

Today’s 12th graders spend less time outside of the house without their parents than 8th graders did in 2009.
The number of teens who spend time daily with friends dropped by 40% between 2000 and 2015. (Smartphones became popular around 2012.)
Only 55% of high school seniors have jobs when school is in session, compared to 77% during the late 1970s.
Teens are also driving less and depending on parents more for rides.

This isolation has had a painful effect on our teenagers. Jean Twenge states that rates of depression and suicide are so high that members of Generation Z are “on the brink of the worst mental health crisis in decades.” How did this happen? Listed below are some ways that social media harms teens.

Social media prevents teens from learning or practicing social skills. The teen years are when the social skills necessary for adulthood are learned, practiced and improved. Because of social media, teens don’t get the chance to put in the work of getting to know a person because everything about that person is already posted and on display.
Because of social media, being ignored is now intensified. With all the ways teens communicate instantly through their phones and can see if their messages have been read, teens know when they are being ignored. Because teens lack impulse control, they often reply immediately and they expect the same of their peers. When a teen sees that a friend is ignoring them, the teen feels anxious, ignored, frustrated and unimportant.
Social media makes it very easy for teens to know when they’re being left out. When today’s adults were teens, we didn’t know we were left out of a gathering unless someone told us or we overheard someone talking about it. Missing out hurts. These days, all a teen has to do is open their favorite app to see what their friends are doing without them – and others can see it, too. Knowing instantly that they have been left out and that others know about it – even while the event is still happening – can be devastating for a teen.
Social media makes it difficult for teens to consider other points-of-view. Social media platforms like Tumblr encourage people to only interact with people who think like they think. The algorithms for Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are constantly being changed, and the trend is moving toward the same kind of like-minded interaction. If teens are only talking to other teens who also feel lonely and depressed, they won’t hear different points-of-view. Because their brains are still developing, teens can’t see beyond the situation they are experiencing. When they talk only to other teens who feel as they feel, they don’t realize that people actually care about and will listen to them.
Social media can harm a teen’s already-fragile self-image. People tend to post only the photos and details about their lives that they want others to see. Because teens don’t understand that what they see online isn’t real, they compare their own lives to the perfect, happy lives they see and feel they can’t measure up to others. This leads to feelings of insecurity, jealousy, loneliness and depression. The problem gets worse when a teen receives “likes” and praise on a fake life they show online because it supports their belief that their regular lives aren’t good enough. It’s a vicious cycle.
Quality time and relationships suffer when social media is a priority. People tend to pay attention to others who are not present more than the people who are right in front of them. We’ve all ignored things in our lives because we were playing on our phones. Teens are no exception; when they are distracted by an app or texting with friends, they aren’t spending time strengthening relationships with the people who are physically around and care about them – their families and actual friends.

Now that you know the ways social media can hurt teens, here are some ways you can help reduce the damage:

Set a limit for your teen of 2 hours per day of phone/screen time. (Go ahead and assume that at least 30 minutes are used at school.)This boundary might be difficult to set and maintain, but you’ll be helping your teen immensely. This will work best if the entire family has to follow the limitation.
Encourage your teen to get naturally high. A natural high comes from participating in any activity they enjoy, even if they aren’t good at it. Support and encourage your teen in finding THEIR OWN natural high, not what you want for them. Doing so will be especially helpful for improving their self-esteem.
Unplug and spend time with your teen and your family when everyone is together. Sit down for a family dinner and have everyone put their devices in a separate place. Being present with your other family members will strengthen your relationships with each other and also set a positive example for your teen.
Tell your teen to get to work! As long as it leaves plenty of time for completing schoolwork and spending time with family, a part-time job will provide opportunities to practice social skills, learn responsibility, impulse control and discipline and make their own money while being independent. A bonus is that they won’t be able to play on their phone!
Take an interest in your teen. Don’t just ask “How was your day?” and leave them alone. Ask open-ended questions about their daily lives and ask about the things THEY think are important, even if you don’t understand. Listening to your teen will help you understand them better and will let them know you care. When you’re asking your questions, be sure BOTH of you are free from cell phones or other distractions.
Get them moving. Exercising regularly causes the brain to release feel-good chemicals that may help with depression. It also reduces fatigue, helps with concentration, helps increase self-esteem, serves as a healthy distraction and is a positive way to cope with difficult situations and feelings. Also, it’s an opportunity for them to look at the world around them. It doesn’t have to be intense or last a long period of time. What’s important is that your teen gets moving and does it often. Again, this will work best if you’re setting an example and doing it too.
Encourage your teen to spend time with friends, in person. Invite their friends over for pizza – and have them turn in their phones at the door. They may think it’s lame at first, but they will enjoy the face-to-face time and will actually communicate with each other, which will strengthen those relationships.

Strengthening your teen from the negative effects of social media may be difficult, as he or she will not see the benefit and you’ll be met with resistance, but you know what’s best for your child. You can do it!

Parents, pay attention to your teen’s social media use. They need your help to be safe!