Maryland Heroin Awareness Advocates, Inc. - MHAA

Maryland Heroin Awareness Advocates, Inc. - MHAA MHAA provides education, resources, and services to help those who are impacted with substance use disorder.

A powerful synthetic opioid estimated to be 10 times stronger than fentanyl has been surfacing in multiple states, contr...
06/05/2026

A powerful synthetic opioid estimated to be 10 times stronger than fentanyl has been surfacing in multiple states, contributing to overdose deaths. Here's what to know about cychlorphine:

A synthetic opioid believed to be 10 times stronger than fentanyl is on the rise in multiple states. Here's what to know about cychlorphine. (AP photo)

In recent years, a dangerous trend has emerged in the realm of substance abuse: the proliferation of fentanyl-laced v**e...
05/29/2026

In recent years, a dangerous trend has emerged in the realm of substance abuse: the proliferation of fentanyl-laced v**es. This lethal combination of the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and electronic ci******es has raised serious concerns among health experts, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

As we dive into this pressing issue, it is crucial to understand the grave risks associated with fentanyl-laced v**es and the urgent need for education, prevention, and intervention as agencies address this growing crisis.
Key Takeaways:
Are v**es really being laced with fentanyl?
Yes. Law enforcement, probation officers, and school resource officers across the country are reporting incidents of fentanyl showing up in e-ci******es and THC v**e cartridges.
How dangerous is this trend?
Extremely. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than he**in. Just a small amount in a v**e cartridge can cause overdose or death, especially if the person has no tolerance.

Who is most at risk?
Teens, probationers, and first-time users may unknowingly inhale fentanyl through counterfeit or tampered v**e products. The danger is amplified when the drug is disguised as something else.

Why is it hard to detect?
Unlike pills or powders, v**es don’t look suspicious, and users may have no idea what’s inside. Standard testing methods may miss the window unless continuous monitoring is in place.

What can be done?
Education, early intervention, and longer detection windows are key. Continuous drug monitoring with tools like the PharmChek® Sweat Patch can help identify opioid use that might otherwise go undetected.

Bottom line?
Fentanyl-laced v**es are not a rumor—they’re a real, growing threat. Programs need to adapt testing strategies now to stay ahead of this evolving crisis.

PharmCheck

05/28/2026
05/21/2026

Are you a parent that has lost a child to substances and you are now a granparent raising your grandchild/children? We know there is a financial impact in addition to the grief. If you would be willing to discuss how a funding stream could or would have helped you with additional expenses-daycare, diapers, summer camp, just every day kid things, please send Beth Schmidt a private message.

Send a message to learn more

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has released provisional 2025 mortality data from the National Vital St...
05/20/2026

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has released provisional 2025 mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). The latest provisional data show 69,973 predicted overdose deaths for the 12-month period ending in December 2025 — about a 14% decrease compared with the same period ending in December 2024.

Overall Trends
The continued decline is encouraging. However, the steep decline seen from late 2023 into 2024 appears to be slowing. Monthly provisional data suggest overdose deaths were relatively stable from September 2024 through July 2025, decreased in August and September 2025, and then leveled in October 2025.

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05/15/2026

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Around seven in ten (68%) young adults who are part of generation Z report binge drinking in the past year, with almost a third (29%) regularly consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, according to new UCL research.

05/05/2026

New Opioid Threats: "Cychlorphine" is emerging as a new synthetic opioid threat. Additionally, a CDC alert warns of "Rhino Tranq" (a veterinary sedative) found in the illegal fentanyl supply.

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6608 Freedom Avenue
Sykesville, MD
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