One Pill Can Kill: Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl and Counterfeit Drugs
It’s a message that feels dramatic—but it’s heartbreakingly true: One pill can kill.
In today’s world, it only takes a single counterfeit pill to cause a fatal overdose—especially when that pill is laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s reality. And it’s affecting families right here in Lancaster County, South Carolina, every single day.
At Counseling Services of Lancaster, we’re committed to raising awareness, offering support, and saving lives. The more we understand the risks of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, the better equipped we are to protect the people we love.
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid originally developed for use in hospitals for severe pain—such as cancer treatment or post-surgical recovery. In those controlled settings, it's safe and effective when administered by trained professionals.
But outside of medical use, fentanyl has become one of the deadliest substances on the street. Why? Because it's cheap, potent, and easy to manufacture. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl into other drugs—including cocaine, heroin, meth, and pills that are made to look like Xanax, Oxycodone, or Adderall.
The problem? Most people don’t know they’re taking fentanyl until it’s too late.
What Are Counterfeit Pills?
Counterfeit pills are fake medications that are pressed to look like prescription drugs, but are made in illegal labs and sold on the street or through social media. They often look exactly like the real thing—same shape, same color, same markings.
But instead of containing a controlled dose of a known medication, these pills often contain deadly amounts of fentanyl, mixed unevenly and without regulation. Just a few grains—as little as two milligrams—can be enough to cause a fatal overdose.
According to the DEA, 6 out of 10 fake pills seized in the U.S. in 2023 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This crisis isn’t happening far away—it’s right here in our neighborhoods, schools, and homes.
Why Is This Especially Dangerous for Teens and Young Adults?
Young people are often unaware of the risks. They may think taking a pill to help with anxiety, sleep, or energy isn’t a big deal—especially if it’s “just one” or comes from a friend. But today’s drug supply is unlike anything in the past, and if you may have engaged in the same behavior when you were young, you need to know this fact to keep your kids safe.
Some teens experiment. Some are just curious. Some are trying to cope with stress, depression, or peer pressure. And tragically, many first-time users never get a second chance after they try “just one.”
And the place where teens are the most active, social media, has become the most dangerous place for them to be faced with counterfeit pills. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever for fake pills to circulate—and harder for parents to spot the warning signs. That’s why open conversations and early prevention are more important than ever.
Signs of Fentanyl Overdose
Knowing the signs of an overdose could save a life. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can include:
Slow or no breathing
Blue or grayish lips and fingertips
Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
Snoring or gurgling sounds
Limp body
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. We have this life-saving medication and offer it at no cost to those who need it. South Carolina’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose—so don’t hesitate.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe and Informed
1. Talk to Your Kids—Early and Often
Have age-appropriate, open conversations with your children and teens. Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Emphasize that not all drugs look dangerous—and one mistake can be deadly.
2. Never Take a Pill That Wasn’t Prescribed to You
This applies to everyone. Even if it looks like a real prescription, if it didn’t come from a doctor or pharmacy, don’t take it. Remember, even taking “just one pill” could be the last thing you do in life if you’re taking a fake pill laced with a fatal dose of drugs.
3. Get Narcan and Learn How to Use It
Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In South Carolina, it’s available without a prescription and is often distributed at no cost by Counseling Services of Lancaster.
4. Dispose of Medications Properly
Don’t leave unused or expired prescriptions in medicine cabinets where teens or others can access them. Drop them off at a local drug take-back location, which we have listed here.
5. Know the Resources Available to You
At Counseling Services of Lancaster, we offer substance use counseling, adolescent support programs, and recovery resources for individuals and families. You’re never alone—and it’s never too late to ask for help.
Substance use doesn’t make someone weak, immoral, or broken. It’s a complex issue, often tied to trauma, stress, or mental health struggles. What our community needs isn’t more shame—it’s more understanding, compassion, and support.
Every overdose is a preventable tragedy. Every life lost is someone’s child, sibling, friend, or parent. And every person still struggling deserves a chance to heal and recover.
This International Overdose Awareness Day—and every day—let’s honor lives lost by educating others, supporting those in recovery, and standing up to the stigma that keeps people suffering in silence.
At Counseling Services of Lancaster, we’re here to help you take that first step—whether you're looking for support for yourself, a teen, or a loved one.
Need help now?
Call Counseling Services of Lancaster at (803) 285-6911or fill out a contact form. You’re not alone. And it’s never too late to choose a different path.
