[Image of drugs. Photo credit: Pexels]

It is reported that there have been 224 fentanyl overdose deaths among teens, ages ranging from 15 to 19 years old. 

Many cases were reported, but one recent case was at a high school in San Jose, California. 

One of their students, a grade eleven student, passed away due to a drug overdose.

The details of this incident haven't been released to the public, but this recent event shocked many people. 

The tragic passing of the student showed another lesson to not only students but also adults.

This event showed the seriousness of the effects, even if the approach wasn’t intended. 

Just in California, fentanyl has led to 5,722 deaths, including teens. 

In the United States, it is reported that more than 71,000 people died from a drug overdose, including fentanyl.

Fentanyl overdose is now the number 1 cause of death in adults among 18-45 year-olds in the U.S.

Fentanyl is a strong material that has led to drug overdose deaths and serious long-term effects. 

Fentanyl is known to be 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. 

Fentanyl is found in many places, including in other drugs and medications. 

It is a cheap drug and easier to get from illegal distributors than the other drugs. 

No matter the amount, fentanyl can cause death by just a single pill or a small pinch of fentanyl powder. 

It is shown that the rate of deaths of teens caused by overdose has nearly doubled in the past than in 2020. 

As these data show, fentanyl is a dangerous material, usually only used as doctors prescribe it for patients. 

More specifically, pharmaceutical fentanyl is used to treat severe pain and is commonly prescribed for advanced cancer pain.

The fentanyl that causes deaths among these people is manufactured fentanyl. 

The manufactured fentanyl is usually illegally distributed, then the individuals who get it spread it around.

There have been many cases related to fentanyl recently, and surprisingly,many cases related to students, as much as adults. 

Because fentanyl can be found in many shapes or sizes and even varies in colors, it could easily attract some teens. 

It can be found as pills, powders, and even patches. 

Otherwise, fentanyl might be contained in foods and drinks, which is the most common way teens die or get affected. 

Symptoms of fentanyl overdose can include:

• Pinpoint pupils. 

• Losing consciousness. 

• Slow or shallow breathing. 

• Gurgling or choking sounds. 

• Pale or blue skin. 

These are only a few symptoms to have been shown when overdosing on fentanyl, and there could be much more symptoms. 

One decision to try drugs, including fentanyl, could make an immense difference in someone’s life. 

There may be some cases with only side effects, but there are proven to be many cases of death as well, which is a proven reason why students- and all ages should be aware of the causes that drug overdose leads to.