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Stay vigilant for a new drug, learn how to participate in Red Ribbon Week, see how Drug-Free Community coalitions are working on the ground, sign up for a walk-a-thon, and hear international perspectives on drug prevention. Jump to the article below.
Alert: Cychlorphine, Dangerous Novel Synthetic Opioid
Take Part in Red Ribbon Week
Discover DFC Coalitions' Effort and Impact
Soles Walking 4 Souls Hosts Walk-a-thon
International Society of Substance Use Professionals
Alert: Cychlorphine, Dangerous Novel Synthetic Opioid
 DEA is closely monitoring the emerging threats of novel synthetic opioids. Illicit drugs have always been dangerous, but today’s supply has reached unprecedented levels with the emergence of potent synthetic opioids, like cychlorphine. Drug trafficking organizations frequently modify chemical formulas of known scheduled substances to make their products stronger, more addictive, and more profitable.
In July 2026, DEA published a notice of intent to temporarily schedule cychlorphine as a Schedule 1 substance, which took effect on August 27, 2026. The temporary scheduling order lasts through August 27, 2028.
Cychlorphine can not be detected by fentanyl test strips. Naloxone can reverse opioid-related overdoses, but given the potency of cychlorphine, multiple doses may be required. If you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, call emergency services immediately.
Please share the fact sheet linked below with the audiences and communities you serve.
Take Part in Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week — October 23-31 — is almost upon us. And there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Scouts have the opportunity to participate in the DEA Red Ribbon Patch Program to earn a patch from DEA by engaging in anti-drug activities in celebration of Red Ribbon Week.
Win an iPad and $1,000 for your K-12 school by competing in the National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest, open through November 2. The theme this year is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™”
Affiliated with a college campus? Enter the Red Ribbon Week Campus Video PSA Contest, open through November 9. Create and submit a 30- to 60-second video PSA showcasing your campus’s commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
To further support education and community engagement, DEA has released the new 2026 edition of the Drugs of Abuse publication, which provides science-based information about substances that endanger individuals and communities.
Discover DFC Coalitions' Effort and Impact
 Sustainable prevention of youth substance use requires strong community infrastructure. A special JPHMP Direct supplement highlights the successes of the Office of National Drug Control Policy's Drug-Free Communities coalitions, emphasizing the importance of institutional partnerships, diversified funding, and capacity building for sustaining evidence-based primary prevention.
These elements allow communities to adapt to emerging drug threats while maintaining trusted local relationships.
Soles Walking 4 Souls Hosts Walk-a-thon
 Walk with us. Remember with us. Raise awareness with us.
This October, Soles Walking 4 Soles is bringing our community together in a new way with a 9-day Virtual Walk-a-Thon! From October 23 through October 31, you can participate from anywhere — your neighborhood, a local park, a walking trail, a treadmill, or even while traveling. This event coincides with Red Ribbon Week, helping raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the impact of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and communities.
There is no required distance, no required pace, and no cost to participate. Walk one mile or many miles, all at once or throughout the week. Participate alone, with your family, friends, coworkers, your dog, or gather a whole team.
Walk in honor or memory of someone you love. Participants are encouraged to dedicate their walk to someone lost to fentanyl poisoning or substance use, someone currently in recovery, or anyone whose life has been impacted by the drug crisis.
Download the flyer.
International Society of Substance Use Professionals
 People and organizations across the world are working to prevent substance use. On September 22-23, 2026, 1,395 international experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from 98 countries participated in the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) 2026 Virtual Conference. The program featured expert panel discussions exploring current challenges, innovative approaches, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across sectors working to reduce substance use and drug supply.
ISSUP is supported by the U.S. Department of State via the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). INL works to keep Americans safe by countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad.
All presentations from the conference are now available to view.
We're Growing!
The Together for Families network now includes hundreds of organizations and individuals from across the United States. Please encourage families and community members concerned about substance use to sign up for updates.
Also, if you work with an organization that has a free resource, information or event that you want families to know about, encourage them to join the Together for Families network by e-mailing togetherforfamilies@dea.gov.
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