Parents

A Dose of Reality

More than 70 percent of people who abuse prescription opioids get them through friends or relatives. Let’s hope that doesn’t include your children. In recent years, the rate of prescription painkiller overdoses has increased among Georgia’s young people.

If you suspect your child is at risk

When your child starts acting withdrawn, depressed, hostile or fatigued for no apparent reason, you may not suspect at first that anything is wrong. Many of these normal adolescent behaviors can also be signs of a drug-related problem.

However, a parent’s intuition will usually pick up on other signs that could mean your child is at risk:

  • A decline in school performance or attendance
  • A “new” group of friends
  • Changing relationships with family and friends
  • A loss of interest in favorite sports or hobbies
  • A change in eating or sleeping patterns or personal hygiene
  • Trouble with school or the law

 What parents can do

  • If your child has been prescribed an opioid, do not assume that just because they take them as prescribed that they cannot become addicted. Watch for the signs of addiction and consult your medical provider if you have questions.
  • Learn how to have a conversation with your child about drugs.
  • Let your child know that you and other loved ones will stand by them and offer support if they need it.
  • Do not supply your child with a steady supply of money if you aren’t certain about where and how it will be spent.
  • Rather than staging an “intervention,” focus on creating incentives to get your child to a doctor.
  • Bring your child to a medical professional who can check for signs of drug use (including drug testing) and other mental health issues.
  • Take away your child’s driving privileges if you suspect drug use to prevent an accident (this can also be used as an incentive to get your child’s agreement to be evaluated by a doctor).
  • Educate yourself about addiction, treatment and recovery,

Resources


Addiction affects people from all walks of life.