'Rainbow' Fentanyl Emergence Concerns Howell Alliance

HOWELL, NJ — The Howell Alliance is alerting the public to a new concern about fentanyl - "rainbow" pills that appeal to young people. The alliance is a substance abuse awareness agency that is part of township government.

It cited the federal Drug Enforcement Agency's warning that "brightly colored pills that resemble candy target youth with the deadly drug fentanyl," according to a post by the alliance.

Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and is responsible for fueling the opioid overdose epidemic, the DEA says.

Fentanyl can be found in illicitly manufactured pills that resemble prescription drugs such as opioid pain medications and Xanax. Cocaine, heroin, and marijuana can also be laced with fentanyl, Howell Alliance said.

Parents and guardians must advise youth to never take a pill unless it is prescribed by their doctor, purchased from their pharmacy, and provided by their parent or guardian, the Howell Alliance urged.

To learn more about rainbow fentanyl and its East Coast emergence, the Alliance recommended this television report.

The Howell Alliance collaborates across the community to prevent substance abuse, underage drinking and marijuana use, alcoholism, tobacco/nicotine use, vaping, and other at-risk behaviors.

It also promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being and the reduction of substance use and mental health disorder stigmas through providing awareness, resources, and education to all community populations. Alliance stakeholders include law enforcement, educators, town officials, businesses, civic organizations, and concerned citizens, its mission statement says.