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October marks National Substance Use Prevention Month making it an ideal time to ramp up prevention messaging and reach as many people as possible. Amid the ongoing opioid epidemic, prevention and education messaging can save lives.

Local drug education programs and organizations in Tennessee and reliable information about opioids are critical in preventing overdose and saving lives. However, important messaging should be on repeat and included in every campaign.

The problem in recent years has become defined by fentanyl. It began with OxyContin and prescription pain medication in the 1990s. Eventually, the problem progressed to a resurgence in heroin, which paved the way for illegally manufactured synthetic opioids.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem. Border closures forced drug users to turn to local suppliers. Lockdowns and isolation were also contributing factors, as drug users were using dangerous drugs alone.

In 2019, over 2,000 overdose deaths were recorded in Tennessee. From 2018 to 2019, the rate of fentanyl overdoses increased substantially by 44 percent. For every fatal overdose death in the state, nearly 12 non-fatal deaths were recorded.

There is essential messaging that should be part of every campaign. Get the message out that fentanyl can be hidden in drugs. Illegally made fentanyl is made to look like counterfeit prescription pain medication. These pills are commonly sold on social media platforms.

Fentanyl is also found in drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without using fentanyl test strips.

It’s vital to get the word out that Naloxone saves and can reverse an opioid overdose. It is available in all 50 states at many local pharmacies without a prescription.

More importantly, people in treatment need recovery and support. The stigma related to drugs can be a significant barrier to getting help. Showing compassion and offering support in any form helps to reduce stigma.

Adapting prevention strategies to reach as many people as possible will help save lives, prevent people from becoming addicted, and work to slow the overdose epidemic.

Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.