Would You Recognize a Dangerous Pill?

Recently, police in West Virginia found hundreds of tablets in the shape of an emblem from the popular series Transformers. What if a pill looked harmless, but wasn’t? Would you know it was dangerous?

When tested, the pills had MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, and fentanyl, which is very strong and can be deadly.

Fake pills are showing up in an attempt by drug dealers to make pills look fun, colorful, or familiar. But you can’t see, taste, or smell fentanyl. That makes them very dangerous. Pills can look like:

• Candy

• Vitamins

• Prescription medicine

The Hidden Dangers

Fentanyl is changing everything. It is a very strong drug that is 100 stronger than morphine. It was originally created to treat severe pain, but it is now also made illegally and sold as street drugs.

It is so strong that a tiny amount – like a few grains of salt – can be deadly. Many times, people don’t even know they are taking something laced with fentanyl.

Why Are Teens at Risk?

During your teenage years you will experience some of the most fun moments. This also means that you will experience things like peer pressure and party environments that can lead to risky behavior.

There may also be friends who want to share pills, and today, you may also encounter someone on social media trying to sell you drugs. People who sell drugs on social media may say the pills are safe or real, but they can be fake and dangerous.

With fentanyl around, just one choice can be life changing.

It Only Takes One Pill

The reality is that an overdose can happen from just one pill, even if it’s your first time trying a drug. It may look cool and fun because it’s colorful and in the shape of something familiar, but it can be very dangerous. 

Things You Should Know

• Don’t take random pills, no matter how ‘cool’ they look.

• Don’t assume a friend knows what a pill is.

• Don’t assume a pill or other drug is safe because someone else is using it. 

• If you are not sure about a pill, don't take it.

• If someone takes something and seems sick or not okay, call 911 right away.

• Pills are not "safer" than other drugs. 

• One pill can be enough to cause an overdose – or death.

Knowledge is power! By learning the facts and spreading the word, we can help protect your friends and family.

#DontRiskItAll — Your Future Matters!