<p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/anthonyhipolito/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito&utm_content=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito-podfeed"> View the Show Notes Page for This Episode</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito&utm_content=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito-podfeed"> Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito&utm_content=230220-pod-anthonyhipolito-podfeed"> Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter</a></p> <p>Anthony Hipolito is a sheriff's deputy in Hays County, Texas with over 24 years of experience in law enforcement. In this episode, Anthony discusses his work to spread awareness about illicit fentanyl use and the drastic increase in accidental overdoses, especially in young people. Anthony explains the deadly nature of fentanyl, including how many counterfeit drugs are now being laced with deadly doses of fentanyl. He breaks down how fentanyl is being brought to the US and how younger and younger kids are being targeted. Additionally, Anthony discusses his goal of spreading awareness to our communities and provides important advice for what parents can do.</p> <p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Anthony's life of service in law enforcement [5:30];</li> <li>Fentanyl: medical use, recreational use, and the recent rise in prevalence [8:30];</li> <li>The story of a teenager dying from an accidental overdose of fentanyl [16:30];</li> <li>The scope of deaths being caused by accidental overdoses (the majority of which are from fentanyl) [23:00];</li> <li>How young kids are being targeted, and how fentanyl makes it across our borders and gets distributed [28:30];</li> <li>What happens to a person when they overdose [35:30];</li> <li>Whether laws around drug possession are helping or hurting, and the need to focus on helping people that feel the need to take these counterfeit drugs [37:00];</li> <li>How fentanyl is being added to all kinds of drugs that you wouldn't expect [42:45];</li> <li>What can we do as parents? [47:15];</li> <li>Narcan: a treatment for opioid overdoses [50:15];</li> <li>Importance of awareness, having conversations with kids early in life, and other key takeaways for parents [56:30]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Connect With Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kGsMa0LygSX9nkBcBH1Sg">YouTube</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Talk Openly About Fentanyl
Start conversations about fentanyl and its dangers with children as young as elementary school age, ensuring they understand the risks and how it affects them. This early and open dialogue helps children make informed decisions and fosters an environment where they feel comfortable seeking help.
2. Be a ‘Nosy’ Parent
Parents must be ’nosy’ and remove their blinders, never assuming their child ‘won’t do this.’ Actively observe for changes in friend groups, grades, or weight, and if something seems ‘off,’ initiate conversations to understand and address the underlying issues.
3. Never Take Unknown Pills
Strictly avoid taking any pill that did not come from a trusted pharmacy, as 6 out of every 10 illicit counterfeit pills contain enough fentanyl to be lethal. Taking such pills is akin to playing Russian roulette and carries a high risk of accidental poisoning.
4. Have Narcan & Know CPR
Keep Narcan (naloxone) readily accessible in your home, stored in a place where you know exactly where it is and can use it immediately in an emergency. If someone is poisoned by fentanyl, administer Narcan and perform CPR, as one dose of Narcan may not be enough due to fentanyl’s potency.
5. Understand the ‘Why’ of Drug Use
Focus on understanding the underlying reasons why individuals, especially young people, might seek out drugs, such as anxiety, bullying, or social media pressure. Addressing these root causes is crucial for providing effective help and preventing drug-seeking behavior.
6. End Drug Use Stigma
Work to eliminate the stigma associated with drug use and addiction, both within families and the community, to encourage individuals to come forward and ask for help without fear of judgment. This shift in mindset is essential for enabling people to access the support they need.
7. Monitor Kids’ Digital Activity
If you provide your child with a phone, educate yourself thoroughly on all social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps (like Telegram or Signal), and games they use. Understand the emojis and hidden tricks drug dealers employ to sell illicit substances, as these platforms are primary distribution channels.
8. Support Local Outreach Programs
Consider donating to local sheriff’s office community outreach programs or similar entities to help amplify the message about fentanyl dangers and get this critical information into schools and communities. This supports broader awareness and prevention efforts.
9. Listen to This Fentanyl Episode
Parents and individuals who recreationally use illicit drugs should listen to this podcast episode to understand the prevalence of fentanyl in other drugs and the severe risks of accidental poisoning.
10. Watch Fentanyl Crisis Videos
For a more powerful understanding of the fentanyl crisis, consider watching the video version of the podcast or the linked videos in the show notes, as they include impactful stories and visuals.