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Tarzana Treatment Centers knows the damage that fentanyl contamination is doing. As a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services provider for youth, we hear the sad stories of kids overdosing before they could access our help. The best way to begin is by defining fentanyl contamination for families and caregivers. Since the Mexican drug cartels possess oil drums overflowing with fentanyl, the drug is superabundant. After all, fentanyl doses contain micrograms because the drug is so powerful. Indeed, fentanyl is fifty to a hundred times stronger than heroin or morphine.

Moreover, fentanyl is inexpensive for drug cartels to produce in bulk. As a direct result, they possess more than they can sell. The obvious consequence is fentanyl contamination. Hence, drug cartels use fentanyl as an active ingredient in many other illegal drugs. These contaminated drugs range from prescription pill knockoffs to heroin and methamphetamine. Thus, using fentanyl as a replacement drug and not telling the buyer is the definition of fentanyl contamination.

The Drug Enforcement Agency on Fentanyl Contamination

According to a recent post about fentanyl by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, “Because there is no official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the promised drug. There is a significant risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl… Producing illicit fentanyl is not an exact science. Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. DEA analysis has found counterfeit pills ranging from .02 to 5.1 milligrams (more than twice the lethal dose) of fentanyl per tablet.”

All across the country, kids are dying from fentanyl overdoses. It is happening particularly in California because of the state’s proximity to Tijuana. Indeed, Tijuana is the home base of many of the major Mexican drug cartels. As parents try to get their kids help, fentanyl contamination is stealing away young lives. A significant issue is that a tiny pill is enough to kill.

Fentanyl Abuse = A Need for Professional Help

Fentanyl abuse in any form means a young person needs professional help. Hence, TTC is a perfect option for families looking to help their teenagers. As a provider of SUD treatment services for youth, we specialize in Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT). MAT Services help an addicted teenager navigate the difficulties of withdrawal management. Thus, our treatment goal is to make sure that teenagers start the recovery process positively, leading to sustainable sobriety.

First, parents must let their kids know about the dangers of fentanyl combination. A kid should never take a pill given to them by anyone other than a parent or medical provider. Indeed, raising such awareness is an essential first step. To learn more about fentanyl contamination and how to access help for a teenager in trouble, please contact TTC today.