Seaway Valley Prevention Council
May Newsletter
Trending Information
Fake Xanax
“Fake Xanax” also known as the unregulated benzodiazepine Bromazolam is being seen posing as Xanax, but experts say it is much stronger or more potent even at low doses, making it easier to overdose on. It is being seen illicitly distributed online or on the street at an increasing rate, and is also being seen involved in a rising number of overdose deaths.
Similar to Xanax, Narcan will not work on an overdose of Bromazolam.
“Fake Xanax” is also commonly laced with fentanyl, enhancing the effects and increasing the risk of overdose.
Effects of Bromazolam use Include:
- loss of coordination
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- slurred speech
- muscle relaxation
- difficulty breathing
- amnesia
Withdrawal Symptoms of Bromazolam Include:
- seizures
- sleep problems
- irritability
- headache
- muscle pain
- extreme anxiety
- confusion
Learn How To Tell The Difference
Here are a few ways you may be able to identify real Xanax from fake Xanax, such as Bromazolam:
- Markings: Every real Xanax will be stamped with the indented name "XANAX" in all capital letters, as well as a number signifying the strength. There should also be indentations where the pill is scored in either halves or quarters. Depending on the strength there should be one of the following markings:
White oval pills with “XANAX” above “0.25” on one side, and a single scoring mark on the back.
Peach oval pills with “XANAX” above “0.5” on one side, and a single scoring mark on the back.
Blue oval pills with “XANAX” above “1.0” on one side, and a single scoring mark on the back.
White rectangular pills with three scoring marks on both sides, a “2” on the back, and “X ANA X” on the front (there will be a scoring mark after the first X and before the second X).
- Colored Coating: Real Xanax has an opaque white, peach, or blue coating. Uncoated pills or pills coated another color are not real Xanax.
- Logo: Some counterfeit Xanax will have slight alterations to the logo including: the logo being raised instead of indented, blurry text, uneven thickness of lines, wrong font, some letters not being stamped as deeply as others, the X being the same height as the other letters, the "2" on the back being horizontal instead of vertical.
- Incorrect Weight: With real Xanax, each pill will be approximately the same weight as the others. Fake Xanax could have variations in the weights throughout the pills.
- Shatters Under Pressure: Authentic Xanax won't easily shatter under pressure. Pressing the pill down on a hard surface should not cause it to shatter. Additionally, when crushed, real Xanax should break down to an oily powder, while fake Xanax could end up feeling chalky and gritty or break into tiny shards.
- Doesn't Dissolve in Water: Real Xanax will dissolve in water very quickly due to the binding agents. Real Xanax should dissolve in seconds while fake Xanax might take longer to dissolve.
Troopers Seize Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine During Massena Traffic Stop
A man was arrested and is now facing felony drug possession after a traffic stop in Massena on April 15, according to State Police. Charges included 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. During the traffic stop, police found approximately 500 bags of heroin/fentanyl, and 38 grams of cocaine.
We will gladly take any confiscated drug paraphernalia for future presentations!
Teen Intervene
Teen Intervene is a harm reduction program designed to work with teens ages 12 – 17 years old experiencing problems related to mild to moderate use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. This is a free, confidential program for teens to explore why they’ve chosen to use alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or other drugs.
Teens work one-on-one with an educator to:
- Identify the reasons why they’ve chosen to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- Examine the effects of substance use on their life
- Find opportunities to make healthier choices
Teen Intervene is not an appropriate program for teens who (1) have a DSM-5 severe level Substance Use Disorder (SUD) where they show a loss of control regarding their substance use or have developed a significant tolerance, (2) are daily substance users, or (3) have untreated mental health disorders.
Anyone can refer a teen, teaching staff or guardians. A teen can even refer themselves!
Here’s how it works:
- A teen is referred to the program using one of the program’s referral forms.
- The teen meets with an educator to make sure the program is right for them.
- The teen meets with the educator in their school or community to complete the program in 4-6 sessions.
- The teen can complete an optional family session if it’s right for them.
Concealment Item of the Month
One concealment item that is being used that you may not suspect is books.
Books can be used to hide drugs by hollowing out or taking out the inside portion of the book and using the now empty center of the book to hide drugs or drug items in.
There are also products made called "Book Safes" that are designed to look like books and contain a hidden compartment often with a lock that can be used to hide something inside.
Emoji Drug Code
Would you be able to decipher this code?🔍
Technology is one of the major ways our youth communicate today. With only having to use emojis to communicate, it can go unnoticed by a parent, guardian or school staff.
The emoji code below represents Xanax.
Nicotine Information
Nicotine Increasing Levels of Stress
Presentations & Trainings Offered by SVPC
For Students:
For Staff:
The Seaway Valley Prevention Council has provided valuable services to the community since 1987. Agency programs provide quality prevention, community, and recovery services for residents of St. Lawrence County and beyond. Educators work with youth, parents, families, and local decision-makers to empower them to make positive changes in their lives and engage in their local communities to make long-lasting changes.
Our Mission
To inform the public about substance use disorder (SUD) through information and education, to promote early treatment and rehabilitation of persons with drinking problems and/or substance use problems, their families and their children, to increase public awareness of alcoholism, to advocate and/or develop essential services for the treatment and prevention of substance use, to provide consultation services to interested persons and community leaders.