Parents » Risks of Synthetic Drugs Notice

Risks of Synthetic Drugs Notice

Student Safety Alert: The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs 

Annual Notice to Parents & Guardians (Pursuant to Ed Code § 48985.5)

At YPICS Charter Schools, including Bert Corona Charter School, Monseñor Oscar Romero Charter School, and Bert Corona Charter High School, student safety is our highest priority. In compliance with California law, we are providing this annual notice to keep our families informed about the evolving risks associated with synthetic drugs.


What You Need to Know

Synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, have created a public health crisis. Unlike natural drugs, these are chemically manufactured and are often lethal in microscopic amounts.

Risk Factor

Details

Synthetic Dangers

Drugs not prescribed by a physician, such as illicit fentanyl, are extremely potent. Even a tiny amount (equivalent to a few grains of salt) can be fatal.

Counterfeit Pills

Illegal manufacturers often press synthetic drugs into pills that look identical to legitimate prescriptions (like Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall). Never take a pill that did not come directly from a pharmacy.

Social Media Risks

Modern drug trafficking has moved online. Social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps are frequently used to market and sell synthetic drugs to minors.

From the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.


There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids (made in a laboratory). Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. 


However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.


Illegally made fentanyl (IMF) is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. 


Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain it.


In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies.


How to Talk to Your Teen: "The New Drug Talk"

Experts suggest that moving away from "scare tactics" and toward open, honest dialogue is the most effective way to protect your child. Here are four ways to start:

  1. Find a "Low-Pressure" Moment: Don’t wait for a crisis. Bring it up during a drive, while washing dishes, or during a commercial break. This makes the topic feel like a normal part of safety, not a lecture.
  2. Ask, Don't Tell: Start by asking what they’ve heard about "M30s," "blues," or fentanyl. This helps you gauge their knowledge and correct any dangerous myths they may have heard from peers.
  3. Stick to the Science: Explain that fentanyl is not a "bad batch" of a drug—it is a chemically engineered synthetic that is often added to other things without the user's knowledge. Use the "Chocolate Chip Cookie" analogy: just as you can't guarantee which bite of a cookie has a chocolate chip, you can't know which pill in a batch has a lethal dose of fentanyl.
  4. The "Safety First" Exit Plan: Make sure your teen knows they can call you for a ride or help without immediate punishment if they find themselves in a situation where drugs are present.

Official Resources & Flyers

The following resources are provided by the State of California to help families stay informed. We encourage you to review and download these materials: