Colorado’s Rising Fentanyl Crisis Sparks Statewide Educational Campaign

In the face of a mounting Fentanyl crisis, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has taken a proactive stance by launching a new statewide educational campaign aimed at safeguarding the state's youngest population from the clutches of drug dealers. The campaign intends to enlighten 11 to 18-year-olds, their parents, guardians, as well as trusted adults like teachers and coaches, about the dangers of misusing prescription pills that may be laced with the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl.

Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid often mixed into counterfeit pills and powdered drugs like cocaine and ecstasy, has been wreaking havoc across Colorado and the United States at large. The Attorney General's Office warns that even minuscule amounts of fentanyl can prove fatal, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and vigilance.

The two-year campaign, named the Connect Effect, aims to provide teenagers and adults with critical information about the risks associated with fentanyl abuse. It also focuses on recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and promoting the use of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose.

"We must address the fentanyl crisis head-on and equip our youth with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions," states Attorney General Phil Weiser. "The Connect Effect campaign leverages the power of connection to protect our teens and educates parents and trusted adults on effectively engaging with young people about the risks of fentanyl-laced drugs."

By emphasizing positive social norms, the campaign seeks to demonstrate that the majority of teens make healthy choices when it comes to drug use. This approach aims to instill confidence in young individuals, reassuring them that refraining from taking prescription medication not prescribed to them is a responsible and commendable decision. Research done by Weiser's office, which included surveys, discussion groups with Colorado teens, and consultations with national experts, helps shape these strategies to align with positive social norms.

Fentanyl seizures in Colorado have been escalating at an alarming rate, paralleling the growing overdose crisis. According to recent data, law enforcement agencies seized a substantial quantity of fentanyl in various forms, highlighting the drug's ubiquitous presence in the illicit market. These seizures underscore the need for concerted efforts to combat the fentanyl pandemic and protect Colorado's vulnerable communities.