A recent study reveals a major increase in nonfatal fentanyl exposure among U.S. children over the past decade. According to data reported to poison centers, there was a staggering 1,194.2% increase in incidents between 2015 and 2023. This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect our youth.

Key Findings:

• Dramatic Increase: Cases of nonfatal fentanyl exposure in children up to 19 years old have risen sharply.
• Teenagers at Higher Risk: Teenagers aged 13 to 19 are more likely to experience fentanyl exposure compared to children 12 and younger.
• Intentional Misuse: The majority (65.7%) of fentanyl exposure cases among teens are attributed to intentional misuse.
• Unintentional Exposure in Younger Children: Among children 12 and under, a significant majority (81.7%) of exposures are unintentional.
• Ingestion is Common: Ingestion is the primary route of exposure, particularly in younger children.
• Counterfeit Pills: A concerning trend involves counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, contributing to the rise in overdoses.
• Deadly Dose: The DEA found that approximately 6 in 10 fake fentanyl-laced prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose.

What Does This Mean?

This study underscores the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis on children and families across the nation. The rise in both intentional misuse among teenagers and unintentional exposure in younger children demands a comprehensive approach to address this issue.

What Can Be Done?

• Education and Awareness: Increased public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl exposure is crucial. Equipping communities with knowledge about prevention and response is key to keeping children safe.
• Safe Storage: Parents and caregivers must ensure that all medications and drugs are kept up high and out of reach of children. Using cabinet locks or medicine lock boxes can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
• Community Resources: Providing resources to end the fentanyl epidemic is essential.
• Talking to Children: Open and honest conversations with children about the dangers of drug use, including counterfeit pills, are vital, especially as they enter their teenage years.
• Recognizing Overdose: Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose (small, constricted pupils; pale, bluish skin; vomiting or foaming at the mouth; slow, shallow breathing; sleepiness or loss of consciousness) can save lives. Naloxone, intended for adults, can be safely administered to a child experiencing an opioid overdose.

Mobilize Recovery is committed to providing resources and support to individuals and families affected by substance use. We urge everyone to take these findings seriously.