Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is raising alarms about a disturbing rise in teen drug overdoses. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that approximately 22 teenagers die from drug overdoses each week across the nation—equivalent to the size of a typical high school classroom.
The report also highlights that drug overdoses and poisonings have become the third-leading cause of pediatric deaths in the United States.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Moody hosted a Thin Line Tribute to recognize school resource deputies for their vital work on the front lines and to issue a warning about the dangers of laced vapes and other illicit substances.
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“As millions of children prepare to return to school, I’m urging parents to have critical conversations with their kids about the dangers of drug use,” said Attorney General Moody. “While Florida is leading the nation in fentanyl interdiction efforts and we’re seeing a statewide decrease in overdose deaths, there are alarming national trends of youth overdosing and dying from substance abuse. It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of avoiding illicit substances like counterfeit pills or vapes, as they could contain deadly fentanyl—just one pill can be fatal.”
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that after more than a decade of stability, overdose deaths among 14- to 18-year-olds have more than doubled. The situation has worsened, with the national teen overdose rate now at 22 deaths per week. Fentanyl is implicated in at least 75% of these adolescent overdose deaths.
As the school year approaches, Attorney General Moody is encouraging parents to engage their children in discussions about the risks of drug use. In 2019, she launched Dose of Reality Florida, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing public awareness, education, and prevention efforts to combat drug misuse and save lives.
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To help parents foster open communication with their children, Attorney General Moody offers the following tips:
- Tailor the conversation to the child’s age: A discussion with a middle schooler will differ from one with a high school or college student.
- Emphasize the dangers of addiction: Make it clear that just one pill can be deadly.
- Encourage open dialogue: Reassure your children that they can talk about these issues at home, fostering a healthy and trusting environment.
- Set clear rules and consequences: Establish firm boundaries to help guide your children’s decisions.
By taking these steps, parents can play a crucial role in protecting their children from the growing threat of drug overdoses.
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