1. A pill may not contain what you think it does.
Counterfeit pills can be made to resemble legitimate prescription medications while containing fentanyl or other substances. The DEA continues to warn about fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
2. Alcohol can affect judgment.
Alcohol interferes with brain functions involved in judgment, balance, memory and other abilities. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to its negative effects.
3. Cannabis can affect thinking and attention.
Cannabis affects functions including attention, memory, learning, decision-making, coordination and reaction time. The developing brain can be particularly susceptible to its effects.
4. Being impaired can make a difficult situation harder.
Arguments, peer pressure and unsafe situations require judgment. Being impaired can make it more difficult to assess what’s happening and determine what to do next.
5. Don’t let embarrassment stop you from seeking help.
If someone is unresponsive, having difficulty breathing or experiencing another apparent medical emergency after taking a substance, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
