Calhoun County, AL – The fentanyl epidemic has shown no signs of slowing. It has impacted countless communities across the state. Prevention and education remain crucial in stopping overdoses and saving lives.
Grandparents often have a positive influence on the lives of their grandchildren. They can speak to their grandchildren about drugs and fentanyl and encourage their adult children to discuss these topics. Illegal drugs are easily purchased on social media platforms, and there are significant risks for young people.
Illegally made fentanyl is available on the drug market in different forms. Powdered fentanyl looks like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. It is also made to mimic pills that resemble prescription pain medication.
Resources like the Seniors’ Guide to Fentanyl and local drug education play an essential role. People with reliable information can make informed and responsible decisions and potentially avoid dangerous situations.
Alabama has experienced alarming increases in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. In 2018 there were 121 deaths, and by 2022 it had reached 835 deaths.
Having conversations about fentanyl and drug use does have a real impact. When speaking to your grandkids, keep things age appropriate and use language that is easy for a child or teen to understand.
When speaking to teens or young adults, ask open-ended questions like: What do you know about fentanyl? Or What are your thoughts on drug use? Are you concerned about someone offering you drugs?
This can help start a conversation and fill the void with factual information about fentanyl and its risks.
Share personal experiences and examples of peer pressure and how it was managed. While the approaches to peer pressure are much different today because of social media, the practical methods of handling or avoiding it can still be applied.
Teens can often experience significant peer pressure online through their social media platforms. Social media also glorifies drug and alcohol use.
Please encourage them to speak to their parents or caregivers and help them create a trusting environment with the people they live with. Get them to ask questions and voice their opinions, as this becomes the best way to share ideas and gain knowledge.
Prevention and education remain important regardless of age. Speak to your grandchildren about drugs and fentanyl and help them understand what is at stake.
Marie Garceau has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. Her primary focus is to reach out to the community and spread awareness. She does this to educate others about the dangers of drug use and help them make informed decisions.
