It can be terrifying when your child is using substances. When they are using heroin, fentanyl or other opioids, however, the fear is even greater, since these substances pose a much higher risk of fatal overdose.
Your first goal is of course to
encourage your child to seek treatment for their drug use. But there are things you can do to help prevent them from overdosing in the meantime.
1. Have a Safety Plan.While not endorsing the use of substances, it’s important to accept the reality of it and focus on reducing harmful consequences. Discussing a safety plan with your child as a precautionary measure can help reduce those opportunities for accidental overdose. “When you are the parent of someone using drugs, you are so busy trying to get them to stop that you don’t give advice on how to stay alive while they are using,” says Robin Elliott in an article in the
Huffington Post. A safety plan can contain the advice listed here, as well as letting your child know that you care and you want to
stay involved in their life in a positive way.
“Remember that as long as they are alive, there is still hope.” Robin E.2. Get Naloxone.Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can stop an opioid overdose. It’s easy to administer and is available at most pharmacies and from many community organizations across the country. You should always have naloxone available to both you and your child, just as you would a first-aid kit.
Learn more about how to use Naloxone >>
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