Fentanyl 101: What Everyone Needs to Know About This Deadly Drug
Fentanyl has quickly become one of the most dangerous and devastating drugs in the United States, contributing to a rising number of accidental poisonings across every age group and community. Its potency, unpredictability, and widespread presence make it a threat that everyone (parents, teens, educators, and community members) needs to understand. At Wilson’s Wave, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect lives.
What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. Just two milligrams (about the size of a few grains of salt) can be lethal. While fentanyl is legally prescribed for severe medical conditions under strict supervision, the fentanyl driving today’s crisis is illicitly manufactured, unregulated, and often hidden in counterfeit pills.
These fake pills are designed to look identical to legitimate medications like Xanax, Adderall, Percocet, or Oxycodone, making them almost impossible to distinguish with the naked eye. Many people who take counterfeit pills have no idea that they contain fentanyl, and one pill is all it takes.
Fentanyl is also increasingly found in other substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. This means that even people who do not consider themselves “opioid users” are still at risk.
How to Stay Safe and Protect Others
Staying informed is the first step in preventing tragedy. Here are practical ways to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.
1. Talk openly about the risks.
Honest conversations can save lives. Make it clear that no pill from a friend, a dealer, or social connection is safe, no matter how normal or legitimate it looks.
2. Know the signs of an overdose.
Slow or stopped breathing, pale or blue skin, and unresponsiveness are critical warning signs. Quick action saves lives.
3. Carry and share information about Naloxone.
Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses when used quickly. Know where to access it and make sure those around you know, too.
4. Encourage safer choices.
Promote staying away from any illicit pills or powders. There is no safe source outside of a pharmacy. Make sure your kids and loved ones know they can come to you with questions and say no in unsafe situations.
Education That Makes a Difference: Betsy’s Speaking Program
To combat misinformation and help communities stay safe, Betsy Moore, founder of Wilson’s Wave, delivers powerful speaking engagements and educational programs across North Carolina and beyond. Rooted in the heartbreaking loss of her son, Wilson, Betsy’s talks combine real-life impact with practical education.
Her curriculum includes:
A clear look at the current state of the opioid crisis
Prevention strategies to keep young people safe
Building compassionate, supportive communities
Inspiring audiences to become informed advocates for change
Betsy’s mission is to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Join the Wave
Wilson’s Wave is committed to equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe from fentanyl. Through our WAVE pillars—Wake Up, Accountable, Voice, Educated—we’re creating ripples of awareness that can save lives. Learn more, book a speaking engagement, or join the mission at wilsonswave.org.
