Youth & Young Adults – Get Drug & Alcohol Facts. Save a Life
From occasional use, to heavy use, using drugs or alcohol comes with a level of risk. Even if you are not using drugs or alcohol, your friends or peers may be. This site will provide you with the facts, tips, frequently asked questions, and resources to help keep you, a friend, or loved one safe from opioids and other drugs.
It’s important to know that some drugs are not what you think they are — and you can’t tell what is in a drug just by looking at it.
Across the country and here in Riverside County, there has been an increase in overdose deaths from opioids. More and more substances and opioids are being mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is 50 to 100 times stronger than other opioids and can’t be detected by the user. In 2020, 95% of all overdose deaths among young people 15-19 in Riverside County involved fentanyl.
Learn the facts about substances and what you can do to prevent an overdose – for yourself, a loved one, or a friend.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a suspected overdose, medical or mental health emergency call 9-1-1 now.
The Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Law means you will be not be arrested if you seek emergency medical help at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.
988: Suicidal or Mental Health Crisis
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, please call the confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. They are available 24/7 to provide support, referrals, and crisis intervention.
California Youth Crisis Line
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to talk to someone about what’s happening:
Call or text the California Youth Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-800-843-5300
Call Teen Line at (800) 852-8336 or text TEEN to 839-863 daily from 6pm – 10pm pst
Naloxone or Fentanyl Testing Strips
If you need to access naloxone or fentanyl testing strips: Call or text Inland Empire Harm Reduction at (951) 446-0983
Naloxone can not harm someone if they are not having an overdose or if they have used another substance besides opioids. Buying, carrying, or giving Naloxone is legal and you can not get in trouble for having it or giving it.
Stop Opioid Overdoses. Help Save a Life.
How to Recognize an Opioid Overdose
During an overdose breathing can be slowed or stopped causing long lasting damage or death. It’s important to recognize the signs and act fast.
Small pupils
Passing out or loss of consciousness
Pain in the chest, slow or difficulty breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Pale, blue, or cold skin
Nausea and throwing up
How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose
It’s at times difficult to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t positive, it is best to treat it like an overdose.
1
Call 9-1-1 right away. All you have to say is “I think someone may have overdosed” and provide a clear address and/or description of your location. You are protected from an arrest or prosecution if you seek help.
2
Give Naloxone if you have it
3
Try to keep the person awake and breathing
4
Lay the person on their side
5
Stay with them until the emergency workers arrive
Some things not to do when responding to an overdose
DON’T hit or try to forcefully wake or move the person. If you are unable to wake the person by shouting or lightly pinching them, they are likely unconscious.
DON’T put the person in a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock.
DON’T try to make the person throw up. This increases the risk of choking.
Many overdose deaths can be prevented, but people often fear arrest if they call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Law means you will be protected from an arrest, charge, or prosecution if you seek emergency medical help at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.
Nalxone can not harm someone if they are not having an overdose or if they have used another substance besides opioids. Buying, carrying, or giving Naloxone is legal and you can not get in trouble for having it or giving it.
Understand What Increases Someone’s Risk of Opioid Overdose
There are several things that may increase the risk of opioid overdose, such as:
Combining drugs or alcohol, example: mixing prescription pills (ex. Vicodin) with alcohol or cocaine.
Taking higher doses of medications than what is prescribed or recommended.
Consuming illegal opioids, or drugs bought off the internet or street. With these drugs you cannot be sure of how strong the drug is, or what is mixed in with the drug, such as fentanyl.
Warning: Fake Pills and Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a drug that is 50 to 100 times stronger than opioid, and is the most common drug present in drug overdose deaths. Even the smallest amount — the size of 10-15 pieces of salt — can cause an overdose and be deadly. There has been an increase in deadly drug overdoses due to fake pills containing fentanyl. These are pills that are not prescribed by a doctor or distributed by a pharmacist but bought off the internet or on the street. These pills can be made to look just like prescription medications such as Oxycontin, Xanax, Adderall, and others – and the user wouldn’t know they contain fentanyl.
Drugs 101
Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your mind and body work, and can include prescription medicines, illegal substances, alcohol, tobacco, and even over the counter medication. Below are facts, tips, frequently asked questions, and resources to help keep you, a friend, or loved one safe.
Prescription opioids are prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, such as a sports injury, dental work, or cancer. Even though they are prescribed by a doctor, they do have serious risks and side effects, especially when misused. Misuse of opioids – or taking them other than prescribed or more than prescribed, can lead to addiction, overdose, and death – as high doses of opioids can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death. Mixing prescription opioids with alcohol or other substances can also increase risk of overdose or death.
Common prescription opioids:
Oxycodone (brand names: OxyContin, Percocet)
Hydrocodone (brand name: Vicodin)
Codeine
Morphine
Heroin
Aka: dope, junk, black tar
Heroin is an illegal opioid made from poppy plants that is very addictive. It is sold as white or brownish powder, but also sold as ‘black tar’ which is sticky like roofing tar or coal. In the US, 36 people die every day from an overdose death involving heroin.1 Heroin affects areas of the brain that control heart rate, sleeping and breathing; a heroin overdose can lead to breathing slowing or even stopping, and decreasing the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, which can lead to a coma or permanent brain damage. People who inject heroin are at greater risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and having issues such as collapsed veins or blood vessel clots. Naloxone can treat a heroin overdose if given right away.
Wide-ranging online data for epidemiologic research (WONDER). Atlanta, GA.: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2020. Available at https://wonder.cdc.gov
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it is made in a lab either legally or illegally. It is 50 to 100 times stronger than other opioids and now the most common drug involved in drug overdose deaths. Even the smallest amount can cause an overdose, and an amount the size of 10-15 pieces of salt can be deadly.
Drug traffickers are mixing fentanyl into other drugs, such as pills, cocaine, or heroin, or in a combination, because it is cheap to make and is very strong. Most people do not know that fentanyl is present in the drugs they are taking.
Methamphetamine
Aka: meth, crystal, tina, crank, speed
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive, simulant drug that affects your central nervous system in the form of a white powder or pill. Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, blueish white rocks. Methamphetamine can cause a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature, and other effects on your brain, and can cause severe depression, psychosis, and anxiety in withdrawal. Dangerous, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are sometimes added to street methamphetamine without the user knowing, leading to a greater risk of overdose death.
Cocaine
Aka: Coke, crack
Cocaine is an addictive, illegal, stimulant drug made from the coco plant native to South America. As a street drug, cocaine is a fine, white crystal powder. Cocaine can also be processed to make a rock crystal, called crack. Cocaine increases the level of dopamine in brain circuits, and can cause hypersensitivity, irritability, paranoia, tremors or muscle twitches and a fast or irregular heartbeat, or in large amounts bizarre, unpredictable, and violent behavior. Mixing cocaine with other substances, such as alcohol, heroin, is particularly risky and can lead to an overdose and/or heart attack. Cocaine can also be missed with fentanyl which can lead to overdose and death.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many over the counter medicines such as extra-strength cough syrup, tablets, or gel pills. DXM is misused when people swallow large quantities or mix it with soda for flavor. When taken in large doses, DXM can cause a depressant effect and can cause the user to hallucinate or feel physically distorted, panicked, paranoid and aggressive. Misuse or DXM can lead to addiction and overdose; overdose from DXM can be treated with naloxone.
Cannabis/Marijuana
Aka: weed, grass, joint, blunt, reefer, mary jane, dope, buds
Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant, which contain the mind-altering chemical THC. While many states, including California, have legalized marijuana for medical or adult recreational use, there are still many risks and dangers you should be aware of. The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing, which can lead to a greater risk of a harmful reaction or overdose; this is very common with “edibles” because they take longer to digest and feel high, so users consume more. Large doses of marijuana can lead to overdose, which can result in hallucinations, delusions, and risk of psychosis with regular use of high potency marijuana. Long term marijuana can impair brain development of young people ,and affects the regions of the brain that impact thinking, memory, and learning functions – some studies have even found that long term marijuana use that began when users were teens led to a decrease in IQ points, and long-term use has been linked to mental illness in some people.
Alcohol
Aka: booze, juice, brew
Alcohol is a depressant drug, in that it slows down activity in the brain. It can impair young people’s brain development, and young people who begin drinking as a teen are at an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence than if they wait until they are adult to use alcohol. The biggest concern for alcohol is binge drinking – or drinking five or more drinks within 2 hours for males, and 4 drinks within 2 hours for females. Alcohol use and binge drinking can put you at a greater risk for injuries, unprotected sex, sexual assault, and death from things like alcohol-related car accidents or drowning.
Naloxone Saves Lives
Anyone can carry Naloxone (Brand name: Narcan), give it to someone having an overdose, and potentially save a life.
Naloxone is a life-saving drug that when sprayed into the nose or injected, quickly reverses the effects of opioids during an overdose. Not only can Naloxone save a life, but it also lowers the chance of long-term brain damage. It is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive.
Nalxone can not harm someone if they are not having an overdose or if they have used another substance besides opioids. Buying, carrying, or giving naloxone is legal and you can not get in trouble for having it or giving it.
If you or someone you know is at risk for an opioid overdose, you should carry naloxone with you or have it in the home. Naloxone is available without a prescription from most pharmacies, as well as local organizations that have a distribution program, such as the below:
Inland Empire Harm Reduction:(951) 364-5311
RUHS Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment:(951) 782-2400
Frequently Asked Questions About Drugs
It’s okay if some of this is new to you — lots of other teens are asking too!
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem with Drugs?
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem with Drugs?
Addiction can happen at any age. There is no “type” of person who becomes addicted. All genders, races, and income levels can be affected.
One important sign of having a problem is that a person uses drugs even though it’s causing harm to their life. This could be problems with their physical or mental health, school, or relationships. Often, they report they can’t stop using drugs, no matter what happens or how hard they may try.
Other signs include:
Not caring about their looks
Getting lower grades in school
Missing classes or skipping school
Losing interest in favorite activities
Getting in trouble at school or with the law
Having different eating or sleeping habits
Having more problems with friends or family
How Can I Help Someone with a Drug Problem? How Can I Help If They Don’t Want Help?
How Can I Help Someone with a Drug Problem? How Can I Help If They Don’t Want Help?
Friends are often the first to notice a drug problem in each other’s lives. This puts them in a special position to help.
The most important thing you can do is let them know that you are there for them to talk, now and in the future. Before the conversation, gather information about where they could get help and have hotline, warmline, and crisis line information on hand.
While you may not be able to control their use, there is support available to help you in coping with how their substance use may be affecting you. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If someone is experiencing an overdose, mental health crisis, or another emergency, call 9-1-1.
What is The Worst Drug?
What is The Worst Drug?
The short answer is, there isn’t a “worst” just as there isn’t a “best” drug. All drugs could be bad for your health or lead to dangerous short- or long-term problems. This all depends on things such as, how much a person uses, how they use it, and other factors. It’s important to understand the risk of any drug.
BUT there are some drugs that are SO strong that a life-threatening overdose is a risk during each use, such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is the most common drug that results in fatal overdoses. Many times, individuals do not know it is in the drug they are taking.
Why are Drugs Different or Worse for Young People?
Why are Drugs Different or Worse for Young People?
Young people’s brains are still developing, and any drug or alcohol use can permanently alter the structure of your brain, as they interfere with your brain chemistry and your dopamine or serotonin levels – chemicals that make us feel happy and rewarded. These substances can re-wire your brain for addiction and can alter how you solve problems or remember things.
I’m Not Ready to Stop Using Drugs. How Can I Use Them Safely?
I’m Not Ready to Stop Using Drugs. How Can I Use Them Safely?
Using drugs will always come with a risk. If you are not ready to stop, there are a variety of things that you can do to make it “safer”. For more information on how to reduce your risk visit www.sfaf.org/resource-library/safer-drug-use/.
Is Buying Drugs Online Safer Than Buying on The Street?
Is Buying Drugs Online Safer Than Buying on The Street?
No. Using drugs bought off the black market, whether that be the street, internet, or a friend is never safe as you just don’t know what you are getting. For example, many prescription pills look like the real thing, but they may be fake and laced with other substances such as fentanyl.
Does Using Drugs and Alcohol Help With Anxiety and Depression?
Does Using Drugs and Alcohol Help With Anxiety and Depression?
Some individuals use drugs or alcohol because they think it will help with feelings of anxiety, depression, stress or whatever else they have going on. While using substances may seem to help ease symptoms in the moment, they often will leave you feeling worse – more anxious, unmotivated, moody, or depressed.
Why is this? There’s a variety of different things that play a role. Regular use of drugs or alcohol messes with chemicals in the brain that are important for good mental health. Also, individuals may act a certain way while under the influence that they normally would not, causing problems at school or home, or with relationships with friends or family. The use of drugs or alcohol can also lead to long term health problems.
One of the greatest things that you can do for you is to take good care of yourself – both emotionally and physically. If you are struggling with your mental health, take the brave step towards getting better and reach out for help. Tell a friend, parent, teacher, or other trusted person what you are going through. They’ll be glad that you reached out and can help you get the support or resources you need.
What Happens When Drugs Are Combined?
What Happens When Drugs Are Combined?
All drugs have risks, but combing or mixing drugs is one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you combine drugs, it can have an unexpected effect and those effects can be different than if you took one of those drugs alone.
For example: Taking opioids and alcohol together raises the risk of overdose. Both are “depressants”, so their effects are made stronger by the fact that there are two of them — which can slow down your breathing, lead to brain damage, or even death.
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem with Drugs?
What Are the Signs of Having a Problem with Drugs?
Addiction can happen at any age. There is no “type” of person who becomes addicted. All genders, races, and income levels can be affected.
One important sign of having a problem is that a person uses drugs even though it’s causing harm to their life. This could be problems with their physical or mental health, school, or relationships. Often, they report they can’t stop using drugs, no matter what happens or how hard they may try.
Other signs include:
Not caring about their looks
Getting lower grades in school
Missing classes or skipping school
Losing interest in favorite activities
Getting in trouble at school or with the law
Having different eating or sleeping habits
Having more problems with friends or family
Reach Out For Support
If you, a friend, or a loved one are struggling with substance use or have questions, there is help available. One of the best things that you can do, is to reach out for support.
Where to Go if You Need Help Now
I’m thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis:
Call the Crisis Line of Riverside County at 1-800-706-7500
I need help with food and shelter:
Call 2-1-1 for help in Riverside County
I need to access naloxone or fentanyl testing strips:
Call or text Inland Empire Harm Reduction at (951) 446-0983
I’m feeling overwhelmed and need to talk to someone about what’s happening:
Call or text the California Youth Crisis Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-843-5300
Call Teen Line at (800) 852-8336 or text TEEN to 839-863 daily from 6pm – 10pm pst
Where to Go If You’re Ready for What’s Next
I want to get substance use and/or mental health services:
Call the Community Access, Referral, Evaluation and Support (CARES) Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-499-3008
Call the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357)
I Want To Get Support From Others At A 12-Step Meeting:
Alcoholics Anonymous: Call the 24-hour A.A. Hotline at (510) 430-8900
Other Substances
One of the most important things to know right now is the dangers of fentanyl. No drug purchased off the street, online, or from a friend can be considered safe, as fentanyl is being put in or is being cross contaminated with everything.
For more information on substance use visit the links below:
