Opioids are synthetic versions of opium, which is a byproduct of the poppy plant, and they range from prescription painkillers to illicit drugs. Because they’re given to manage pain, they’re easily accessible—and that has led to widespread abuse. Here, we’ll explain the opioid epidemic and how to protect your family.
Opioid Misuse Statistics Among Children and Teens
Synthetic opioids have their origins in the medical field, but they’re devastating the country. Hundreds die from overdoses every day, and the condition affects people from every walk of life. Statistics show that:
- Almost 700,000 teenagers abused opioids in 2018.
- One in 15 teens have used prescription pills recreationally.
- Nearly 10,000 teens or 1 in 250 high schoolers used heroin that year.
If you or someone you love is affected by addiction or opioid withdrawal symptoms, seek professional help from a treatment center.
The Risks of Fentanyl: It’s No Ordinary Opioid
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s affecting communities across the country. It’s 100 times stronger than prescribed morphine, and even the smallest amount can cause a deadly overdose. People young and old are overdosing on drugs cut with fentanyl, and there’s no way to tell which products have it. Talk to your family about the risks of opioid and fentanyl use.
Preventive Steps for Family Members
As opioid abuse devastates our country, it’s become crucial for families to learn how to protect themselves and others with steps like:
- Having honest conversations: Educate teens about the risks of drug abuse and describe what happens to the body when opioids are misused, including sleepiness, nausea, constipation, addiction, overdose, and death.
- Explain the dangers of drug cocktails: It’s extremely dangerous to mix opioids, prescription or illicit, with alcohol and drugs. A recent study found that 70% of teens who misused opioids combined them with other substances, which greatly increases overdose risk.
- Set an example: Children tend to imitate what they see, and teenagers are more likely to misuse opioids if their parents do so. Parental addiction must be addressed to reduce the potential for misuse by children and teens.
- Count pills regularly: Inventory all prescriptions found in the home, especially opioids. Most users get drugs from their homes or from friends, and monitoring quantities makes it easier to track any losses.
- Lock up your medicines: Prevention is the best way to address teen and adult opioid misuse, and locking your medications up will keep them out of the wrong hands.
- Safely dispose of leftovers: After discontinuing the use of prescription opioids, dispose of them by taking them to a local pharmacy, doctor’s office, or hospital. Never flush pills, as it pollutes groundwater, and don’t throw them in the trash, as someone may find and misuse them.
While the tips above may work to prevent most cases of opioid misuse, it’s important to prepare for the worst. Family members should know which steps to take during an overdose, including calling 911, using opioid antagonists like Narcan, administering CPR, and providing first aid until paramedics arrive.
Follow These Tips to Protect Your Family
While the opioid epidemic shows no signs of stopping, there are ways to prevent accidental overdose and death. Follow these tips and consult a local treatment center if you or someone you love is facing opioid addiction.