Seaway Valley Prevention Council
December Newsletter
Trending Information
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the FDA for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain, especially after surgery or for advanced-stage cancer. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl.
Illegally Made Fentanyl
Illegally made fentanyl is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. Powdered fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and then made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids. In liquid form, illegally made fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.
What is the Effect of Fentanyl on the Body?
Fentanyl produces effects such as:
- extreme happiness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- confusion
- problems breathing
- unconsciousness
Fentanyl and Overdose
Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Recognizing the signs of an 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 and/or clammy skin
- Discolored skin (especially in lips or nails)
The Alarming Surge of Fentanyl-Laced Vapes: A Lethal Combination
Illegal drug manufacturers have been incorporating fentanyl into vape cartridges, which are then sold as seemingly harmless e-cigarettes. The lack of regulation in the illicit drug market means that users cannot know the strength of the fentanyl in these vape cartridges. The nature of vaping itself presents dangers, but inhaling fentanyl through vaping devices allows chemicals to enter the bloodstream more quickly, leading to a rapid onset of effects. This can further increase the risk of overdose.
Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Two Narcotics Rings Responsible for Trafficking Fentanyl Throughout Central New York and the North Country
"On November 2, 2023 New York Attorney General Letitia James and Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile today announced the indictment of 31 defendants charged with 192 crimes related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses in connection with two major drug trafficking networks that were distributing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties. As alleged in two indictments, the year-long investigation led to the seizure of more than 150,000 envelopes containing over $300,000 worth of fentanyl or a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. The investigation also recovered nearly a pound of methamphetamine, one-quarter kilogram of cocaine, more than $16,500 connected to narcotics distribution activity, three illegal firearms, and two vehicles used to transport and distribute narcotics."
We will gladly take any confiscated drug paraphernalia for future presentations!
Teen Intervene
Teen Intervene is a harm reduction program designed to work with teens ages 12 – 17 years old experiencing problems related to mild to moderate use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. This is a free, confidential program for teens to explore why they’ve chosen to use alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or other drugs.
Teens work one-on-one with an educator to:
- Identify the reasons why they’ve chosen to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- Examine the effects of substance use on their life
- Find opportunities to make healthier choices
Teen Intervene is not an appropriate program for teens who (1) have a DSM-5 severe level Substance Use Disorder (SUD) where they show a loss of control regarding their substance use or have developed a significant tolerance, (2) are daily substance users, or (3) have untreated mental health disorders.
Anyone can refer a teen, teaching staff or guardians. A teen can even refer themselves!
Here’s how it works:
- A teen is referred to the program using one of the program’s referral forms.
- The teen meets with an educator to make sure the program is right for them.
- The teen meets with the educator in their school or community to complete the program in 4-6 sessions.
- The teen can complete an optional family session if it’s right for them.
Concealment Item of the Month
Emoji Drug Code
Would you be able to decipher this code?
Technology is one of the major ways our youth communicates today. With only having to use emojis to communicate, it can go unnoticed by a parent or guardian.
The emoji code below represents Cocaine!
Narcan Trainings
Presentations & Trainings Offered by SVPC
For Students:
For Staff:
The Seaway Valley Prevention Council has provided valuable services to the community since 1987. Agency programs provide quality prevention, community, and recovery services for residents of St. Lawrence County and beyond. Educators work with youth, parents, families, and local decision-makers to empower them to make positive changes in their lives and engage in their local communities to make long-lasting changes.
Our Mission
To inform the public about substance use disorder (SUD) through information and education, to promote early treatment and rehabilitation of persons with drinking problems and/or substance use problems, their families and their children, to increase public awareness of alcoholism, to advocate and/or develop essential services for the treatment and prevention of substance use, to provide consultation services to interested persons and community leaders.