ATWOOD, Ill. (WAND) — The Atwood Police Department is warning parents of a dangerous, easily accessible drug making its way into the area.
In a video posted to the department's Facebook page, police said Kratom, also known as "gas station heroin" for its easy accessibility, can pose extra danger to teenagers.
Kratom comes in several different forms and is legal at the state level for anyone 18 or older. However, several cities, including Monticello, have passed ordinances restricting the sale of the drug.
The Atwood Police Department said Kratom is extremely dangerous because it hits the same receptors as opioids that cause users to stop breathing when they overdose. But, the department said unlike opioids, Kratom does not respond to Narcan, which can make an overdose especially deadly.
Police advised parents to check up on their kids and throw away packaging with the word Kratom on it.
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