Parents - I Wish I Knew

If your child’s doctor or dentist wants to prescribe painkillers:

A doctor or dentist may want to prescribe an opioid for your child, perhaps after a sports injury or after wisdom teeth removal. While sometimes these medications are appropriate, it is important to ask questions, know the risks and get the facts.

Research shows that most teens who abuse these pills first got them from a doctor, according to a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics. More specifically, the researchers found that 85 percent of teens abused painkillers before trying heroin.

On average, the painkiller abuse started about two years before heroin use.

Thoughtful prescribing, patient education and alternative pain control methods help reduce the risks of using these prescriptions.

Some things you can do:

Ask questions. Learn about the risks, side effects and potential for abuse.
Ask about non-opioid alternatives.
Talk with your child about the dangers of misuse.
Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has a history of substance abuse.
Ask for the lowest possible dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.
Ask when your child should stop taking the medication.
Control and monitor the pills. Track doses on a log. Your local health department can also provide you with a locking pill bottle, or you can purchase one at most pharmacies.
Don’t allow your child to self-administer the pills.
Take any unused medications to a drug drop box (click here for locations). You also can get a drug disposal bag for use at home from your local health department.

Click here to learn about signs of opioid abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and what to do in case of overdose.

What do I do if I think my child is using drugs?

First, sit down and take a deep breath. You don’t need to assume the worst but you do need to act as soon as possible! Here are some tips from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids:

Talk with your spouse or partner:

Remind each other that no one is to blame.

Agree on a position.

Even if you don’t agree, commit to a unified front.

Pledge not to undermine each other.

Remember to come from a place of love when talking with your child.

Get ready for the ‘hypocrite’ defense:

Your child may ask whether you’ve done drugs. If you have, don’t let that become a justification for your child. Be honest, but let them know you don’t want them using drugs.

Experts disagree on how much information is too much. This is your family, and your child – you know your kid better than anyone. But, most agree dishonesty or lying are not good. Most experts say give an honest answer or none at all.

If you smoke, mention that you are an adult and it is legal but you know you should not. Also mention you want your child to avoid those same mistakes.

Gather evidence:

You may have reservations about ‘snooping,’ but remember your goal is your child’s well-being. If you find things, prepare for possible excuses.

Get ready for anger from your child.

The conversation may get uncomfortable for everyone, but resolve to remain calm no matter what. If things get too heated, end it until later.

Don’t forget to tell your child that you love him or her and that their health and safety are your priority.

Set a goal:

Find a reasonable, small goal, and try not to have unrealistic expectations. Your child may not admit to drug use at first. Set small goals and move toward them one step at a time.

Think about your consequences:

Before you have the talk, think about rules and consequences you’d like to set.

Listen to your teen’s feedback and let him or her help negotiate.

Don’t set rules you cannot or will not enforce.

If you have a history of substance use disorder in your family, discuss that.

Remember: you can never be too safe or speak too soon!

There are many valuable tips online at www.drugfree.org. It may also help to reach out to a trained professional or support group – your healthcare professional or local health department’s addiction program is a good place to start. You also can text IWIK to 71441 for information.

What if my child has a drug dependency?

It takes a lot of courage to seek help for a child with a possible drug problem. The decision is often difficult and sometimes painful.

If you’re ready to seek professional help for your child, the first step is to get your child assessed. An assessment, or screening helps determine the extent of use (if any) and the best pathway for treatment. View Map