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After I wrote about how addiction can start with something as simple as pain relief, I got more responses than I expected. DMs, classmates, even friends of friends saying something along the lines of, “This reminded me of someone I know.”
It made me realize just how close this crisis really is, especially in Alameda County, where opioid misuse (particularly fentanyl-related overdoses) is rising at an alarming rate.
Because the crisis is close, it’s important to know the signs of opioid misuse. And if that sinking gut feeling tells you something’s off, what you can do.
Addiction isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always look like what you see in movies or TV shows. Especially among teens, it can be quiet and easy to miss, unless you know what you’re looking for. Someone you care about might be abusing opioids if:
- They nod off randomly, in class, mid-text, during a meal, etc
- They seem moody, tired, or disconnected.
- You notice things going missing, such as money or prescriptions from the medicine cabinet.
- They’re posting less, replying late, or disconnecting from friends completely.
- You find unmarked pills, foil, or rolled bills.
- Things feel “off” and you can’t quite explain why.
According to the Alameda County Health Department, most opioid-related teen deaths in the county now involve counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, often bought through social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, or through text. One mistake is all it takes. You don’t get a second chance.
So what do you do, as a Teen?
Let’s be real – it’s hard. You don’t want to seem dramatic. You don’t want to lose a friend. But silence is riskier than speaking up. Here is what you can do, even if you’re not the adult in the room:
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t wait for “proof”.
- Start the conversation:Saying something like, “You have seemed off lately. Is everything okay?” will initiate a conversation and allow the person to feel seen.
- Tell someone you trust, like a parent, a school counselor, a coach, someone who can step in with help.
- Find resources. In Alameda County:
- The Teen Crisis Line: 1-800-833-2900 offers 24/7 support
- Naloxone (Narcan) is available without a prescription at many Bay Area pharmacies
- FentCheck offers free fentanyl test strips at schools, clinics, and local community centers.
- Keep showing up. Your friend might deny it, get defensive, or shut you out. But just knowing someone notices and cares can make a bigger difference than you think.
Not all opioid misuse is obvious. It can look like canceled plans, mood swings, or a friend who just doesn’t seem like themselves anymore. Noticing these signs can be the first step toward saving someone’s life.
This is about protecting each other, not policing each other. It’s about being informed, being alert, and being that friend who shows up even when it’s hard.
Silence won’t save anyone, but compassion just might.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
