US Shaken by Fentanyl, Indonesia Must Not Underestimate Vapes and Nitrous Oxide

If there is one fact that should stop us from taking drugs lightly, the United States serves as a “perfect” example — a nation with the world’s largest security apparatus, technology base and budget, yet still ravaged by a deadly narcotics crisis.

The BBC has reported how the fentanyl crisis claims tens of thousands of lives every year in the US. More alarmingly, many victims were not classic “hard drug” users. They consumed pills that looked like ordinary medication but were laced with fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic substance lethal in very small doses.

This is not an ordinary crime story but a simultaneous public health and social crisis. The hardest lesson is that even powerful nations can be overwhelmed when society lets its guard down.

Drawing on that superpower’s experience, three dangerous myths about drug control emerge. The first is the myth that “law enforcement alone is enough.” The US has a vast law enforcement apparatus, yet the crisis persists because the problem extends beyond criminals to the underground economy, consumption behaviour, mental health and cross-border supply chains.

The second is the myth that “once something is banned, the matter is settled.” Fentanyl demonstrates that once a substance circulates, it can infiltrate hard-to-detect forms such as counterfeit pills or mixtures. This mirrors the emergence of adulterated vapes — the contents change, the risks increase, yet detection becomes harder.

The third is the myth that “the victims are always the same people.” The fentanyl crisis cuts across class boundaries: teenagers, university students and young workers are all exposed through “products that look ordinary.”

These lessons are relevant to Indonesia today, because drug threats do not always arrive in frightening packaging. They hitchhike on items that look modern and normal — such as vapes — or slip in through entertainment culture that appears light-hearted, such as “whip pink” (nitrous oxide) used for momentary euphoria.

At this point, we must state firmly that this is not the work of a single agency. The state’s endeavour through the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is a matter of social resilience, and social resilience is born only when all of society stands together.

Countries worldwide are beginning to impose bans not out of moral panic but because of data and casualties. The surge in use among children and adolescents is a fact prompting many nations to stop being lenient on vapes.

These products are attractively packaged, offer sweet flavours, feature eye-catching designs and are often marketed in “youth-friendly” ways. The method is, in fact, classic, as recorded in public health history: a product looks appealing, is promoted as “safer,” then enters the youth market.

Nitrous oxide follows a similar pattern, often dismissed as “just gas” or “just a party thing.” Yet medical literature shows that nitrous oxide misuse can seriously damage the nervous system with repeated and excessive use — what looks harmless is not necessarily low-risk.

Why are vapes and nitrous oxide difficult to tackle through enforcement alone? Because these two mediums share three dangerous characteristics. First, social camouflage. Vapes are often considered “safer” or “just a trend.” Nitrous oxide is regarded as “just momentary euphoria.” These perceptions become entry points. When we trivialise something, the black market gains breathing room.

Second, rapid circulation through social networks. Adolescent decisions are rarely shaped by formal advertising but by peer recommendations, viral content and status symbols. Public support can therefore help correct young people’s perspectives by offering a new conviction: being healthy is cool.

Third, health risks that often go unnoticed. Nitrous oxide is not merely temporary dizziness. Health experts explain that its misuse risks damaging the nervous system. The same applies to vapes, particularly in the context of illegal circulation, as they can become “vessels” infiltrated by other substances, making them even more dangerous. This is why collective vigilance — not momentary reactions — is required.

We should appreciate BNN’s concrete steps through cross-sector coordination via policy forums, firm enforcement to cut supply chains, and various prevention programmes instilled from an early age. However, today we also need consistent public support so that when BNN leads, society locks the door.

To ensure support does not stop at slogans, all parties must act. First, parents need to shift their communication approach from “scolding” to “detecting.” Ask calmly: “Have you seen friends using these? Do you know the risks?” Watch for changes in sleep, emotions and study focus. Build a home where children dare to speak up without fearing immediate punishment.

Second, schools should go beyond putting up educational posters and train students in refusal skills. Teach them how to say no without losing face. Practise with realistic scenarios — at hangout spots, parties, subtle peer pressure. Provide safe, non-judgemental counselling channels.

Third, communities and local leaders should continue making “not using” the social norm. Open spaces for healthy togetherness and enjoyment through sport, the arts and youth organisations. Give the spotlight to achievement, not harmful substances.

Fourth, businesses and platforms must cut distribution channels. Marketplaces and social media must firmly shut down listings and buying-selling communities. Entertainment venues need to build prevention standards: surveillance, distribution bans and collaboration with authorities.

Fifth, the wider public must build a culture against complacency. Do not normalise vapes or nitrous oxide as jokes that boost one’s image. Report clear distribution patterns — without vigilantism. Do not spread content that unwittingly serves as “promotion” or “tutorials.”

In America, fentanyl has proved that even powerful nations can suffer grievous wounds. In Indonesia, vapes and nitrous oxide remind us that drug threats are increasingly “dressed up,” entering through modern devices and entertainment culture.

Full support for the state through BNN is therefore not an optional extra but a prerequisite for victory. Without social support, drugs will always find a gap. With social support, those gaps can be sealed before the next generation continues to fall victim.

Dr Devie Rahmawati, CICS, is an adviser to the Kader Bangsa Foundation (YPKBI).