By Tim Jahn, M.ED
Drug overdose deaths have doubled since 1999, and deaths from prescription opioids and heroin have quadrupled. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 91 people die each day from opioid drug overdoses. In fact, more people die each year from drug overdoses than from car accidents or homicide.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are derived from the opium in poppy plants or synthetic versions. They are highly addictive narcotic drugs that include prescription pain medicines and illegal substances like heroin. Oxycodone (e.g. OxyContin and Percocet) and hydrocodone (e.g. Vicodin and Dolacet) are commonly abused prescription drugs. Fentanyl (e.g. Sublimaze) is a synthetic opioid 50-100 times more powerful (and also deadlier) than morphine, and is often added to heroin for a quicker high. Heroin is an illegal narcotic that is snorted, smoked, or injected.
What Can Parents Do?
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following advice:
Talk with your kids. Tell your children about how deadly opioid drugs can be. Children who learn about the risks of drugs at home are less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.
Safe storage. Keep opioids and other prescription medicines in a secure place. Count and monitor the number of pills you have and lock them up. Ask your friends, family members, and babysitters to do the same.
Dispose of leftover prescription medication. Return leftover opioid prescriptions to a hospital, doctor’s office, or pharmacy. Many counties now offer “take-back” events to collect unused painkillers.
Talk to your doctor. Discuss alternatives to opioids for pain relief with your doctor. Recent studies show that non-addictive medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be just as effective. Your doctor may also suggest trying certain complementary and alternative treatments—such as acupuncture—as a first step for treating chronic pain.
Ask for help. If you think you or your child may be misusing opioid drugs or developing addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Know what to do in an overdose emergency. Ask your pediatrician about Naloxone, which can prevent opioid overdose deaths. Always call 911 if you believe someone is experiencing an overdose. Know that Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection to people acting to help someone who has overdosed on illegal drugs.
For more information, go to https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/The-Opioid-Epidemic.aspx
Tim Jahn is a Human Ecology Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program and leads workshops for parents of pre-teens and teens. He can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 331 or at tcj2@cornell.edu.