In honor of the raddest little brother ever ~ Eli Dillon

The overdose rate in America has reached record levels and keeps rising annually. Due to a tainted drug supply and an insurmountable number of fake pills coming from Mexico, places like San Diego have seen a 700% increase in the overdose rate since 2016. Unfortunately, the number of adolescent deaths has been increasing at the highest rate due to counterfeit pills which are easily bought off of social media.

Fentanyl facts & myths

Let's be clear: we're talking about "bathtub" fentanyl ~ real medical fentanyl is an important medication in hospitals

The problem with using fentanyl outside of a medical setting is that if it's taken incorrectly it can instantly shut down the the part of the brain that controls breathing.

That means that a person can stop breathing within seconds of fentanyl reaching the brain. If enough of the chemical is absorbed, naloxone (a proven opioid reversal medication) will not be enough to save them.

Why I think everyone should carry naloxone:

Simply~ if you suspect your loved ones are using substances, or even if you don't, it's better to be safe than sorry. So many of the videos I've seen have told stories of parents/loved ones who lost someone and had no idea they were even using drugs. If we can get over the "this could never happen to me" mentality and just be realistic, we are more likely to be able to prevent fatality.

The first step is to open the doors of communication completely. Our loved ones need to know they can talk to us about topics like drug use if we are going to be able to help them. That means that we must be a safe haven, a nonjudgmental ally who they can trust. Second, don't be the "do as I say, not as I do" type. Kids, and especially teens, are NOT going to respect your words if you are actively doing the opposite.

If you want your loved ones to stop using, then you better too.

Drug use is a symptom...

It's so important to remember that drug use of any kind is just a symptom of a larger problem. Anyone who uses drugs ended up there due to a variety of factors with many of them OUT OF THEIR OWN CONTROL.

Being aware of risk is part of the solution. Take the assessment now to see if your child or loved one is at risk

More impactful Videos

Parents in Fresno tell their story

Video: Parents speak about losing their children -Fresno news report following parents of overdose victims

Interview with a future overdose victim

Video: Interview with a future overdose victim  - A young man talks about his friends fentanyl overdose

*Texas Pictures documentaries has covered 138 stories of fentanyl related deaths to date *

Video: Texas Pictures Documentaries follows stories of fentanyl related deaths in Texas

As social creatures, we need connection

I think we all need to hear stories of struggle and perseverance. It's not that we want to hear of other's suffering... but we want and need people to relate to. When it comes to drug use and addiction, the only people who can truly relate are those who have been there and lived to tell the tale.

Epicly Later'd

This series of videos tells the stories of talented folks who have been down party road and are living their best lives sober and healthy now 🙏🏼 It's so important to know that we're not alone. Check out this series if you want to see rad people doing rad stuff. 🛹🎨🤘🏼

More resources:

Read: Parent's guide to prevention ~ Start a conversation with your kids

Read: Prevention tools - Many resources on this site for parents, youth, adults Prevention & Early Action

For help in El Dorado County, see here:

El Dorado County - Substance Use Resources

For current statistics in California, please see here:

Skylab - CA Overdose Surveillance Dashboard

Geeshy ~ my brother, best friend and inspiration ~ 08/10/90 -02/23/24

"The grief we feel when we lose someone is directly proportionate to how much we loved them and there is something beautiful in that."