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There is an opioid epidemic in the United States and in Jefferson County.

Any pills, powders or homemade vapes that do not come directly from the store or pharmacy could be contaminated with the synthetic, deadly opioid, fentanyl.​

Do not assume your teen is or is not at risk. 7.1% of Jefferson County high school students report having used a prescription drug not prescribed to them or differently than how a doctor told them to use it (Healthy Kids Colorado Survey 2025). Because fake pills contaminated with fentanyl can look identical to “real” pills, teens may not realize the risk they are taking when they use pills from other people. Often, the person supplying the pill does not know the pill is contaminated​.

Data: Some Jefferson County High Schoolers Misuse Prescription Drugs

Overdose can and does happen with a variety of substances. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse overdose caused by fentanyl or other opioids. Naloxone will not help if an overdose is not from an opioid, but it also will not hurt if you are not sure what someone has had. Naloxone can be obtained without a prescription from any pharmacy and is simple to use.

Visit Bring Naloxone Home to learn more about Naloxone and how to get it. Points West at Jefferson County Public Health can also help to get you, or your teen, Naloxone for free.

Video: How to Save a Life with Narcan (aka Naloxone)

Learn how to tell if someone has overdosed and when to administer Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray to reverse an overdose.

Here's where to find naloxone near you: http://stoptheclockcolorado.org/ 

Video is four minutes and thirty eight seconds long (4:38).

Open Ended Questions About Overdoses

How to Start a Conversation About Overdose

When you hear about the opioid crisis on TV or the radio, use it as an opening to ask your teen what they think is going on with young people using pain medications or other drugs.

First, find an opening. An idea is: 

Ask your teen about hypothetical situations. Depending on your teen, you might ask: What would you do if a person passes out at a party? What if you saw someone who might be overdosing when you were on the light rail? What would you do if you found someone passed out at school?

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• What have you heard about Narcan (a medicine to stop opioid overdose)?
• What do you know about the Colorado Good Samaritan Law?
• Why do you think people are overdosing in our country?
• What would you do if someone you are with passes out?
• What do you know about Fentanyl in Jefferson County?
• What have you heard about teens overdosing in Jefferson County?
• What would stop one of your friends from calling 911 when someone is overdosing?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/overdose/