Philadelphia drug bust raises concerns about opioid withdrawal
Other posts highlighted the risks of teen marijuana use and repeated the myth that touching fentanyl can cause an overdose.
Other posts highlighted the risks of teen marijuana use and repeated the myth that touching fentanyl can cause an overdose.
In late October, the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicted 33 people in Philadelphia for allegedly selling drugs, leading to conversation about the dangers of opioid withdrawal. Posts also discussed a study linking early marijuana use to physical and mental health problems and repeated the long-debunked myth that fentanyl overdoses can occur through touch.
In response, communicators may share information about treatment for opioid use disorder, highlight the risks of teen marijuana use, and explain how fentanyl overdoses happen.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use
On October 24, the FBI announced that 33 people had been indicted on drug-related charges after a long-term investigation into a drug trafficking group in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. Those indicted were accused of selling drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Social media posts across platforms discussed the indictments, with many posts receiving tens of thousands of views. Some commenters applauded the crackdown on alleged drug traffickers, while others said companies that make prescription opioids should be held accountable for the U.S. fentanyl crisis. A few expressed concern for local people with OUD who may experience serious withdrawal symptoms if they are unable to access opioids and urged city officials to provide medical care and treatment for people with OUD.
Recent articles reported on an October JAMA study that found that teens who used marijuana before age 15 were more likely to develop physical and mental health problems in young adulthood. On social media, some shared personal stories about how using marijuana regularly as teens negatively impacted their mood, causing brain fog, depression, and panic attacks. Others said that early marijuana use did not impact their mental health, and a few said it helped them manage difficult emotions.
On October 28, a Houston news outlet reported that two maintenance workers in a library parking lot became sick after touching a paper flyer that officials say tested positive for fentanyl. The article quoted a police officer who falsely claimed that fentanyl “can get into your system just by touch” or by accidentally inhaling it and that officers carry naloxone to prevent overdoses in these cases. Social media users responding to the article expressed fear about accidentally overdosing on fentanyl from touching contaminated objects. A few commenters attempted to debunk the officer’s claim, correcting stating that fentanyl overdoses do not happen through touch.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.
Conversations about opioid withdrawal provide an opportunity to reiterate that anyone can develop OUD, including those who are prescribed opioids by a doctor. Communicators may share information about medication for opioid use disorder, local drug treatment centers, recovery groups, therapist directories, and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). Communicators may also direct people to local harm reduction programs that offer free overdose prevention tools like drug test strips and naloxone.
In light of discussions about teens and marijuana, communicators may explain that teen marijuana use has been linked to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, poor coordination, impaired driving, and problems with attention and memory, which can negatively impact teens’ school performance, extracurriculars, and social life. Communicators may want to outline the signs of marijuana use in teens and share tips for how caregivers can talk to teens about marijuana and other drugs.
Myths that touching fentanyl can cause an overdose are common, and news stories about these alleged events often cause public panic. Messaging may emphasize that according to experts and major medical groups, you cannot overdose on fentanyl by touching it. However, communicators may also explain that it is a good idea for everyone to carry naloxone because fentanyl is often unknowingly mixed with other illicit drugs, which increases the risk of overdose.