In a heart-wrenching incident at Dunwoody High School, the community is mourning the loss of Mia Dieguez, a student whose life was tragically cut short due to an overdose of fentanyl-laced drugs. This devastating event has cast a spotlight on the escalating crisis of opioid deaths in Georgia, prompting a renewed focus on the dangers of fentanyl and the urgent need for effective strategies to combat teenage drug use.
The Tragedy at Dunwoody High School
Mia Dieguez was a 15-year-old student at Dunwoody High School whose life was tragically cut short due to fentanyl exposure. Her sudden death has had a profound impact on the community, highlighting the severe risks associated with drug use, particularly fentanyl.
Following her passing, DeKalb County police arrested a minor in connection to her death, indicating the involvement of other youths in the circumstances leading to this tragedy. Mia’s death occurred after she went into cardiac arrest at school, and despite the efforts of first responders, she could not be revived.
The loss of Mia has brought the dangers of fentanyl directly into the classrooms and homes of Dunwoody residents, serving as a painful reminder of the drug’s lethal potential. Her passing is not just a statistic but a call to action for prevention and education.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Impact
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This drug has been increasingly found laced in various street drugs, unknowingly to the users, leading to a significant rise in overdose deaths.
The substances most commonly laced with fentanyl include the following:
The Grim Statistics in Georgia
Georgia has seen a disturbing rise in opioid-related fatalities. The number of drug overdoses has surged, with fentanyl playing a significant role in this increase. These statistics reflect a broader national crisis, particularly acute in communities like Dunwoody.
By early 2024, Atlanta has experienced a significant escalation in the misuse of opioids, methamphetamines, and alcohol. The opioid epidemic continues to be a critical health crisis, particularly intensified by the widespread availability of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid has been linked to a troubling rise in overdose fatalities, as per recent health department data.
The opioid epidemic in Atlanta mirrors national trends but has its unique characteristics. Fentanyl is becoming more widespread in street drugs, leading to a spike in accidental overdoses. Georgia is witnessing a rate of 23.5 deaths by overdose for every 100,000 people. Opioid-laced fentanyl is the leading cause. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in methamphetamine consumption, evidenced by an uptick in drug seizures by police.
Combatting Teenage Drug Use
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Education on drug use and its consequences should start early in school curriculums. Parents and guardians also need to be vigilant for signs of drug use, which can include changes in behavior, academic performance, and physical health.
The tragic death of Mia is a stark reminder of the urgent need to educate our youth about the risks of drug use, particularly with the widespread prevalence of fentanyl. Community involvement, proactive education, and accessible resources are critical in preventing such losses and safeguarding future generations.
Resources for Parents
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens offers science-based information on drug use and its effects, specifically tailored for teenagers and their parents.
- Partnership to End Addiction provides personalized support and resources for families dealing with substance abuse, including a helpline and various tools for prevention and treatment.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) features a treatment locator, information on substance use, and various publications and resources for both prevention and recovery.
- The Anti-Drug offers resources for parents to help prevent drug use among children and teens, including communication tips and how to spot signs of drug use.
- Teen Line is a confidential hotline for teenagers that provides peer support and resources, including issues related to drug use.
- Your Life Your Voice is operated by the Boys Town National Hotline. This resource offers support for teens and parents dealing with various issues, including substance abuse.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Adolescent and School Health provides data, tools, and resources to promote health and well-being among teens, including substance use prevention.
- Local Support Groups and Counseling Services provide support groups, workshops, and counseling services specifically designed for families dealing with substance use issues.
Identifying Fentanyl
Fentanyl addiction can lead to a slow descent into a dark death. But proper treatment makes it possible to rise out of the pit and regain light.
If you aren’t sure if a substance is or contains fentanyl, some visual identifiers could help.
- Color: Fentanyl powder can range from white to brown or black. The color depends on the manufacturing process, and fillers or cutting agents can also impact it.
- Texture: Fentanyl powder may be fine and talcum-like, similar to baby powder. It can also be coarse and gritty, similar to rough sand or small gravel particles.
- Form: Fentanyl pills may be round or unevenly shaped. Some pills are marked with numbers and letters. As people continue to manufacture fentanyl, some have even created tablets resembling Skittles, lollipops, or hard candy. This deception can be dangerous as small kids can mistakenly eat a handful because they believe it to be candy.
- Packaging: Like many street drugs, fentanyl is usually packaged in plastic bags, foil, or other household materials.
- Labeling: Illicitly manufactured fentanyl may be labeled as other drugs. Those include meth, Xanax, Percocet, and Oxycodone.
Since these descriptors can also be used to identify other drugs, it is important not to rely solely on visual appearance. The best way to confirm whether a drug is fentanyl is to use test strips. In Georgia, individuals can get free test strips through StopHIVATL, local health departments, and pharmacies.
Signs of Fentanyl Contact
Contact with fentanyl doesn’t automatically mean you have the drug in your system. However, you want to wash your hands or skin and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to and abusing fentanyl, there are several signs to look for:
- Pinpoint pupils: Fentanyl can cause the pupils of the eyes to narrow. This gives an appearance of pinpoints in the center of the eyes.
- Shallow breathing: Fentanyl can slow down the respiratory system. When it does, individuals tend to take slow or shallow breaths.
- Drowsiness: Since fentanyl is used medically as a pain reliever and for sedation, it can make an individual extremely sleepy or even fall asleep. This often occurs with no bodily warning.
- Disorientation: Fentanyl can cause confusion about one’s surroundings, making it difficult for the person to communicate or get to a place of safety.
- Pale or clammy skin: Fentanyl can cause the skin to appear pale in color, clammy, or damp to the touch.
- Nausea or vomiting: The drug can cause nausea or vomiting. This is typically a sign of an overdose.
Local Support
For more information on how to help prevent teenage drug use or to learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, contact The Summit Wellness Group for resources and guidance. Together, we can fight back against this opioid crisis and protect our children from its deadly grasp.
The Summit Wellness Group, located at 996 Huff Rd NW, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318, and 745 Hembree Pl, Roswell, GA 30076, offers comprehensive support and treatment services. We can be reached at (770) 691-5337 for anyone needing assistance with addiction recovery or information.