Much of the publicity around the current Opioid/heroin
crisis in Snohomish County has been focused on the homeless. However, teens or
young adults, with good living conditions, can develop a dependency on opioids.
For these individuals, often the best source of help can
come from their families. But, parents or siblings usually do not have the
training or experience to help their children or brother or sister obtain help for
their addiction.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids has developed a resource guide
for parents to help them support their children who may have become involved
with opioids. It also provides tips on ways to prevent children from becoming
involved with drugs.
This thoughtful guide is worth reading, especially if your child
may be in danger of becoming involved with opioids or heroin or if you suspect
that they are already involved.
Some of its key points include:
1.
Have an on-going conversation with your teen or young
adult about the risks of drugs.
2.
Seek non-opioids alternatives to manage your child’s
pain.
3.
Monitor, secure and properly dispose of any
prescription pain medications in your home.
4.
Know the sign of opioid misuse.
5.
Get an evaluation to determine your treatment options
if your child is misusing opioids.
6.
Get and know how to use Naloxone (Narcan).
7.
Practice self-care including counseling for yourself and
attending a support group.
This excellent guide goes into depth on all of the above
recommendations. To download it, go to the following link,
Heroin, Fentanyl & Other Opioids:
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids:
Snohomish Overdose Prevention:
Opioid Affected Families:
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