Drugs in Halloween Candy: Is It a Real Threat?
You are here:Protecting children from harm is every parent’s priority and there are times when an extra bit of caution is needed. Halloween is one example. Although most rumors about drugs in Halloween candy are urban myths, the threat is not unfounded.
Drug dealers are always looking for ways to increase profits. They don’t care who they harm. But, kids who are out trick-or-treating aren’t paying. So, the likelihood of children getting drugs in their candy is small. Nevertheless, it is possible.
How to Check for Drugs in Halloween Candy
These days, small children are usually accompanied by their parents while trick-or-treating. But, many teens still enjoy dressing up in scary costumes and going house to house with a few friends. As a result, they unwittingly become potential targets for drug dealers.
Most of the stories about drugs in Halloween candy have been debunked. However, with the prevalence of candy-shaped drugs such as rainbow fentanyl, parents need to be vigilant in checking the bags of goodies.
Halloween can be a fun time for the entire family, so don’t let the fear of drugs in Halloween candy spoil your trick-or-treat festivities. Here are some ways to make sure the treats are safe to eat:
- Don’t let your child eat any candy until you have checked it.
- Sort through the candy to make sure nothing looks unusual.
- Discard any candy that has been opened.
- Get rid of candy from brands you aren’t familiar with.
- Only keep homemade treats from a trusted friend or family member.
- Discard any candy that smells odd or looks off-color.
- Be sure to check for packages that list ingredients like THC, Cannabis, or Infused.
- Watch local news or community websites that may have updates on Halloween safety concerns.
If you suspect your child ingested tainted candy, notify your local poison control center immediately. They are available 24/7 to provide assistance or advice in an emergency.
Reasons to Worry About Drugs in Halloween Candy
The information provided here is not intended to instill fear. However, some potentially deadly drugs like fentanyl are purposely disguised to look like candy. Young people think these candy-like drugs don’t look dangerous and that they will be easy to conceal.
The DEA issued warnings in 2022 about rainbow-fentanyl which resembles multi-colored candy or colorful sidewalk chalk. If a teen or young child consumes these substances, they may experience severe side effects. Because fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, it puts a young person at risk for fatal overdose.
No one can say for sure whether fentanyl will show up in Halloween candy, but knowing about the potential risks is a vital precautionary step.
Other Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween
Other than checking the candy, you can ensure a safe Halloween by doing some of the following:
- When trick-or-treating with your kids, always stay on sidewalks or paths.
- Put your cell phone away and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Add reflective tape or stickers to your child’s costume.
- Use makeup or face paint instead of masks. Masks obstruct vision.
- Carry glow sticks or flashlights.
- Stay home for Halloween and have a spooky party with your kids, friends, and neighbors.
- Attend community festivities rather than going house to house.
Of course, Halloween isn’t the only time to be on the alert for candy-like drugs. Every day, in every city or town in America, dangerous drugs ruin the lives of far too many young people. The number of adolescent addictions and overdoses is on the rise due to easy access to substances and exposure to social media posts that glamorize getting high.
Parents certainly have a lot to worry about and we hope these few tips will help you keep your kids safe on Halloween.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment at Design for Change
Finding drugs in Halloween candy isn’t impossible, and we hope no child comes in contact with this dangerous substance.
You should also know that teens are at risk of fentanyl exposure if they experiment with club drugs, marijuana, or other recreational drugs. Furthermore, thousands of adults are also unwittingly exposed to fentanyl, become addicted, and die from overdose.
Anyone who struggles with fentanyl abuse or addiction should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. The chance of overdose or death increases with each dose. If you are ready to eliminate fentanyl or other addictive drugs from your life, we can help.
Design for Change Recovery provides a full continuum of care to ensure that our clients leave our facility free from drugs and empowered to live a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to speak with a treatment advisor about our customized programs. Someone will be available to speak with you, verify insurance, and help you choose the path to recovery that works best for your situation.
Sources:
fda.gov/ – Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents
safekids.org/ – Halloween Safety Tips
nbcnews.com/ – Fentanyl Drives Spike in Teen Overdose Deaths
