TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning spring breakers about the grave dangers of using illicit drugs. Deadly amounts of fentanyl are being found in almost every illicit substance, with the Drug Enforcement Administration reporting that 7 out of 10 fake pills found with fentanyl now contain a potentially lethal dose—a 75% increase from just two years ago.
"We are in the midst of an opioid crisis claiming thousands of lives here in Florida every year. This deadly crisis is being fueled by lethal amounts of fentanyl hidden in almost every illicit drug. Students flocking to Florida to enjoy spring break need to be more aware than ever about the dangers of using illicit drugs and that using just one time can kill," emphasized Attorney General Ashley Moody.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s recently released 2022 Annual Drugs in Deceased Persons Report shows that fentanyl is responsible for the deaths of more than 6,200 Floridians in 2022. Already in 2024, the DEA reports seizing more than 41 million lethal doses of fentanyl.
A recent survey conducted by the RAND Corporation found that more than 40% of American adults know someone who died from an overdose. Attorney General Moody stresses that parents need to make clear to children that the possibility of illicit drugs containing fentanyl is too high and that the choices made during spring break could result in tragedy.
To help parents keep kids safe, Attorney General Moody is offering the following tips:
- Emphasize the importance of making informed choices and the potential consequences of substance abuse;
- Ensure adult supervision on spring break trips;
- Engage in open communication and check in with children regularly;
- Establish rules and boundaries for spring breakers to follow; and
- Encourage children to share a trip itinerary, travel arrangements, and intended activities.
For parents seeking more help in talking to children about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, Attorney General Moody recommends visiting Dose of Reality Florida, a one-stop resource to learn about the dangers of opioid misuse, receive support for addiction, and where to drop off unused prescription drugs.
# # #