I grew up in a family where substance use was normal, and there were many moments I lived in fear of what would happen after excessive use. The thought of witnessing an overdose from my family members and not knowing what to do scared me every day.
Becoming a college student at a university did not make that fear go away — it actually made it worse. I know many students, like myself, want to have fun during spring break and enjoy the college experience of partying. Spring break and partying go hand in hand, but there’s a party crasher everyone should be aware of: fentanyl.
No student wants to or should have to worry about accidental overdose, but education on this topic is what we need to keep the party safe.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be mixed with different types of drugs. It is cheap to do and is often done without the user even knowing it.
According to a statement from Leon Kelly, coroner and chief medical examiner for El Paso County, even a “grain of sand” amount of fentanyl is enough to potentially kill someone. Colorado drug overdose statistics show that in 2023, 119 people died from fentanyl overdose in El Paso County, and 11 of those deaths were people between the ages of 19 and 24. All of this makes overdose prevention education so important.
Many people assume that because they do not use drugs or party, they do not need to worry about fentanyl. However, fentanyl can show up where they might not expect it, like fake Adderall and Xanax pills or counterfeit pain medication.
Students need to recognize the importance of taking steps to stay safe in order to reduce the number of overdoses in Colorado. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an easy-to-use overdose reversal medication we can carry around. It’s a simple nasal spray and you don’t need any official training to use it.
Naloxone is accessible on campus in the Gallogy Recreation and Wellness Center along with testing strips. You can also access Naloxone in many Colorado pharmacies, online and at local organizations like the Citizens Service Center.
Some symptoms to look out for if someone is having an overdose would be slowed breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils or becoming limp. This means you need to take action quickly.
First, call 911, then use the Naloxone by spraying it into the person’s nose. It is best to stay with the individual until help arrives. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. These simple steps can help save someone’s life.
Remember that this is not about disappointment or judgment. It’s about being safe and considering the importance of keeping yourself and your friends alive. Carrying Naloxone is a small action that might have a big impact. Being prepared can save lives and ensure that spring break continues to be a time of fun and not of tragedy.
Editor’s Note: This is a guest column written and submitted by a UCCS student. If you would like to publish a guest column, email The Scribe at [email protected].
Photo courtesy of Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention.