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Marie Garceau has worked 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.
The opioid epidemic has impacted every community and demographic in some way. Fentanyl-related deaths have been connected to all age groups. It makes sense for older adults to be informed about drugs and the risks of fentanyl.
Grandparents can even pass this information along to their grandchildren and adult children. Illegally-made fentanyl comes in different forms, such as liquid and powder. Powder fentanyl looks like many other drugs. The danger arises when it is mixed with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or made to look like prescription pain medication. Today, there are significant risks associated with recreational drug use.
Resources like the Seniors’ Guide to Fentanyl and local drug prevention efforts are valuable and save lives. Unfortunately, in Florida, opioid-caused deaths increased by over 5% in 2021. The most frequently occurring drug found in decedents was fentanyl.
The conversations grandparents have with their grandchildren or adult children can make an impact as it becomes passing along valuable information.
Keep things age appropriate and use language and examples that are easy for a child or teen to understand. How you would talk to a child about drugs and medication is entirely different when speaking to an adolescent or young adult.
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.
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.
The opioid and drug epidemic has shown no signs of slowing down. Many communities are struggling to manage the problem. Prevention and education become the first line of defense. Everyone can stay informed and keep others educated regardless of age.
Marie Garceau has worked 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.
