Frequently Asked Questions

What are counterfeit pills?

Counterfeit pills are fake medications.

They may contain fentanyl or methamphetamine and are extremely dangerous because they often appear identical to legitimate prescription pills.

Where do counterfeit pills come from?

Counterfeit pills are usually produced in substandard conditions, labeled incorrectly, and may include dangerous and deadly substances.

Online sales via internet marketplaces and social media are the major sources for obtaining counterfeit pills.

What do counterfeit pills look like?

Counterfeit pills are nearly identical to prescription medications.

They may resemble oxycodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications.

Students may purchase Xanax for anxiety, and Adderall in the belief that it will aid their academics, with many of these purchases made on the internet or social media sites.

Many of these sites sell counterfeit versions of these drugs tainted with fentanyl and/or meth, which can lead to death.

What are the signs of an overdose?

Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life.

Here are some things to look for.

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

• Falling asleep or losing consciousness

• Slow, weak or no breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Limp body

• Cold, clammy and/or discolored skin

What do I do if I think someone is overdosing?

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose.

If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat the situation like an overdose – you could save a life.

1) Call 911 immediately

2) Try to keep the person awake and breathing

3) Lay the person on their side to prevent choking

4) Stay with them until emergency workers arrive

What are the overdose effects?

Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size ("pinpoint pupils"), cold and clammy skin, cyanosis (blue lips, skin, or nails), coma, and respiratory failure leading to death.

The presence of triad of symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

How big is the problem?

Although most people take prescription medications as directed, in 2016, 6.2 million persons or 2.3 percent of the population (12 years and older) misused a prescription drug at least once in the past month. In 2016, 1.8 million persons aged 12 or older had a pain reliever use disorder. (Source: 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

According to a national survey, 16.8 percent of high school students took a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription (such as OxyContin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, codeine, Adderall®, Ritalin,® or Xanax®), one or more times during their life. (Source: Youth Risk Behavior Survey, CDC, 2015)

What are warning signs of teen drug use?

Teens are known to have mood swings. However, some behaviors may indicate more serious issues, such as abuse of drugs and alcohol. Here are some common warning signs of drug use.

• Problems at school

o Poor academic performance

o Missing classes or skipping school

o Decreased interest in school or school activities

o Complaints from teachers or classmates

• Physical signs

o Bloodshot eyes

o Pinpoint pupils (common sign of opiate use)

o Constant scratching (common sign of opiate use)

o Burns on fingers or lips (from smoking joints or something else through a metal or glass pipe)

• Changes in behavior

o Changing friends or social circles

o Isolation from family or friends

o Excessive demand for privacy

o Lack of respect for authority

• Money issues

o Sudden requests for money without a good reason

o Money stolen from your wallet or from safe places at home

o Missing cash or other resources (which may be sold to buy drugs)

• Drug paraphernalia

o Finding items in your child’s room, backpack, or car related to drug use

What can I do?

Because prescription drugs are legal, they are easily accessible. Parents, law enforcement personnel, educators, the medical community, and all levels of government have a role to play in reducing the nonmedical use of prescription drugs.

Talk with your teen about the consequences of misusing prescription and OTC drugs and the importance of healthy choices.

 • Choose the right time to talk. When talking to your child, be sure your child is sober or has not been using drugs before talking about drugs and alcohol.

• Voice your suspicion. Begin by expressing your concerns without making accusations.

• Be specific. Explain what you observed to make you concerned. For example, you found missing pills or an empty pill bottle, or your child’s appearance indicates a potential problem.

• Be prepared for strong reactions. Your child may accuse you of snooping or say you’re crazy. Stay calm.

• Reinforce what you think about drug use. Tell her how much you care for him or her.

• Get help from the experts. Contact the school counselor, school nurse, or family doctor about your concerns.

TIP: A teen that is using drugs or alcohol needs to be evaluated by a professional for a possible substance use disorder.

Ask teens what they find out about prescription drugs at school, at friends’ homes, at parties, and on social media sites.

Get information about teen abuse of prescription drug medications. Learn what the medication is used for, what it looks like, its effects and interactions, and how teens are using it.

For more detailed information, see Section 4 (How Do I Talk to My Child about Drugs) in Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention. It is available online at www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/publications