Sometimes people take Xanax or opioid pills to manage stress...
...but taking prescription pills that weren't prescribed to you is dangerous.
Drug cartels are making fake prescription pills using addictive and deadly ingredients like fentanyl and methamphetamine, and four out of ten fake pills the DEA has seized contain a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids. It is available over the counter at U.S. pharmacies, and sometimes community programs distribute it for free.
Safer ways to manage stress
Mental Health Minute: Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents (Source: NIMH)
Experts say that exercise, good nutrition, and regular sleep are good first steps toward managing stress.
They also suggest self-care. Immersing yourself in activities you love and that promote well-being: deep breathing, yoga, making art, cleaning, journaling, seeing friends, playing games or walking in nature are all examples of things that might help.
And if you need help, don't suffer alone. Confide in someone you trust, whether it's a friend, a family member, or a counselor.
More Resources
Managing Stress (Source: Brainsmart - BBC)
Find Help (National Institute of Mental Health)
Understanding Stress and Anxiety (Active Minds)
Skills Over Pills (Song for Charlie)
Fact Sheets About Stress (National Institute of Mental Health)