This Grandparents Day, take some time to recognize the hardworking grandparents who are actively involved in shaping the lives of their grandchildren. Many grandparents play an important role and act as positive role models and influences.
A big part of this may involve speaking to them about illegal drugs, peer pressure, and dangers surrounding fentanyl. There are serious risks involved with using illicit drugs today. Resources like the Seniors’ Guide to Fentanyl and local drug education programs in Oklahoma play a critical role.
Knowing this information makes it much easier to speak about the topics and help educate your grandkids.
When speaking to your grandchildren, keep things age-appropriate and use language that is easy for a child or teen to understand. There are different ways to discuss the topic depending on their age.
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.
There are real risks with fentanyl. Between 2019 and 2021, unintentional overdose deaths increased by 67% in Oklahoma. During that same time, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths increased six-fold. Fentanyl was involved in nearly three out of four opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021.
The opioid epidemic has shown no signs of slowing down. Illegal fentanyl is found in different forms. The powdered version is cut into cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. It is also made into counterfeit pills that closely resemble prescription pain medication. These illegal pills are sold on social media platforms.
Drug prevention and education make a real difference. It’s good to speak to your grandkids about illegal drugs. The knowledge provided can help make informed and responsible decisions. It can also help them avoid potentially dangerous situations.
(Editor’s Note: 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.)
