Published: 11/6/2025 | Author: Terri

The crisis of teen fentanyl use is unfortunately nothing new. During the pandemic, adolescent overdose events more than doubled. But the fight to save kids’ lives and their futures is expanding and America’s public schools are leading the way. 

Confronting Teen Fentanyl Use 

Although the number of youth ages 12 to 17 with a past-year substance use disorder decreased in the years between 2021 and 2024, the percentage of those with opioid use disorder remained steady during the same time. Fewer than a third of these young people report getting treatment. 

To combat this, many schools are utilizing protocols to address the looming fentanyl crisis. Additionally, 7 out of 10 adolescents mentioned that they received substance use disorder and prevention education at their school.

Further, over 480,000 students received treatment for substance abuse at their schools in 2023. This data illustrates how the education system can play a pivotal role in providing treatment. 

Reading, Writing, and Recovery

The fight against teen opioid addiction isn’t just taking place in homes, communities, and healthcare clinics. Now more than ever addiction prevention and recovery are being incorporated in the curricula of America’s schools. Public schools are playing a key role in mitigating drug overdose risks, particularly those related to fentanyl. 

Among the public schools providing addiction education during the 2024-2025 school year, almost 3 out of 4 administrators mentioned that some or all their staff were trained in recognizing an overdose situation. 

Of these, 30% declared all teachers at their schools were trained, and 44% reported that some of the staff had training. Still, 16% reported that no staff members were trained, showing there is still work to be done. 

Preventing Opioid Overdose in Schools 

Much of the fentanyl education is in classroom settings, so administrators must understand how crucial it is for staff members to receive overdose training. Several states even allow schools to store naloxone to intercept an opioid overdose; however, not all school districts are on board. 

The growing number of schools taking a stand shows how data can change the overdose landscape. The hope is that more will follow and the overdose rates among young people will continue to decline.

Get Help for Teen Opioid or Fentanyl Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available.

Explore Narcotics Anonymous meetings near you or call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to connect with a qualified treatment provider. Low cost and accessible support is availbe through NA and local recovery programs.