Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Is it safe for my child to use prescribed opioids?

Partnership to End Addiction

 

You’ve just received an opioid prescription for your teenager. On the one hand, you may think, “If my doctor prescribed this, it must be safe.” There are obviously times when such medications are needed, helpful and should be taken. On the other hand, you may be worried about just how risky it is for your child to take opioids.

The bottom line is that it's okay to ask questions of your doctor. In fact, we encourage it! That’s how you can become fully aware of the risks of these medications and minimize the chances that your child will misuse them. Here are some questions to consider: 

  • Is a prescription opioid necessary to treat their pain? Would alternatives like an over-the-counter pain reliever work?
  • How many pills are being prescribed and over how long a period? Is it necessary to prescribe this amount of pills?
  • What are the risks of misuse of this drug?
  • What are the potential interactions between this medication and other medications? Between this and alcohol or other substances they may be using?

Find more questions and the latest on youth medication misuse


 
Partnership to End Addiction

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New York, NY 10017
drugfree.org

 
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