Would You Risk It?
In Baldwin County, the threat of fentanyl and opioid misuse is no longer distant—it's here, it's deadly, and it's affecting lives every day.
Whether it's hidden in counterfeit pills, misused prescriptions, or dealt on the streets, the consequences are devastating and often irreversible. This page is your resource for understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and taking action. From the hidden dangers of fentanyl to the addictive nature of opioids and the legal consequences of drug trafficking, we ask one simple question: Would You Risk It?
Fentanyl Kills; They Don’t Know if you Don’t Tell Them
Fentanyl is a man-made opioid so powerful that even a tiny amount—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be deadly. It’s often mixed into other substances like heroin, cocaine, and meth, and increasingly found in illegal vape cartridges and fake pills that look identical to real medications such as oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall. These counterfeits are nearly impossible to spot without lab testing, and many teens who overdose never realize they’ve taken fentanyl until it’s too late.
Talk to your kids. Ask the hard questions. Their life could depend on it. Would you risk it? Visit https://proudtobefreebaldwin.org/fentanyl or https://drugeducation.org/ for more information.
Prescribed Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe. Know the Risks Before You Take Opioids.
Prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are often used to treat moderate to severe pain. But even when taken as directed, these drugs can quickly lead to dependence.
And stopping isn’t easy. Withdrawal from opioids can be intense and dangerous, with symptoms that include:
Extreme anxiety and agitation
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Muscle pain and profuse sweating
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
In rare cases, hallucinations or seizures
These symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and may persist for days or longer.
But the damage isn’t just physical. Misusing opioids can lead to:
Impulsive or reckless behavior
Overwhelming cravings that cloud judgment
Isolation, depression, and broken relationships
A loss of control over daily life
Even short-term use can trigger this cycle—especially when opioids are used to cope with stress or emotional pain.
That’s why it’s critical to:
Speak with your doctor before starting or stopping any opioid
Follow the prescription exactly as written
Store medications securely and never share them
Talk openly with your loved ones about the risks
Would you risk it? Visit https://altapointe.org/services/substance-use-services/ or https://drugeducation.org/ for more information on substance use services.
You Deal Fentanyl? In Baldwin County, We Deal Justice.
Fentanyl-related fatalities in Baldwin County have surged—from around 20 deaths per year before 2019 to 75 in 2023, making it the leading cause of unnatural death in the area. In response to the alarming rise in deaths linked to fentanyl, a law was enacted in 2023 to empower prosecutors to file manslaughter charges against anyone who supplies fentanyl that results in a fatal overdose.
This isn’t just a warning—it’s already happening:
• In July 2025, a man from Baldwin County was charged with manslaughter after allegedly providing fentanyl that led to a woman’s death.
• In February 2025, a woman from Foley faced similar charges for selling fentanyl tied to a fatal overdose.
• Back in July 2024, four individuals were prosecuted under the new law following the death of a young woman in Orange Beach.
Baldwin County law enforcement is aggressively pursuing fentanyl dealers, and there’s no room for leniency.
Would you risk it?