As Halloween approaches, it's not just ghosts and goblins we need to be wary of. With the rising threat of fentanyl making headlines, it’s crucial to have important conversations with our kids about safety—not just for trick-or-treating, but for their future well-being.
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within a year period ending in July 2022, displayed an estimated 107,500 lives lost due to drug overdose (Leitz et al., 2023). Of these deaths, more than 81,000 involved opioids (Leiz et al., 2023). These numbers represent individuals who were mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, classmates, teammates, and best friends (Leitz et al., 2023). Creating an open dialogue around fentanyl and other drugs can help protect children against drug usage and the dangers that could be associated with usage.
Allowing children to feel like they can approach you about drug questions and education can aid in less drug experimentation and create an environment where they are less likely to rely on information from peers. The escalating prevalence of drug poisoning and overdose deaths, particularly involving opioids like fentanyl, underscores the urgent need for open dialogue and education around drug safety, especially when it comes to protecting our children.
Self-Education
Research by Nawi et al. (2021) notes that low parental education predicts a greater level of future child drug abuse and influences children by reducing their perception of drug harm (Nawi et al., 2021). Additionally, parents who were equipped with sufficient drug knowledge were more likely to protect their children and adolescents from future drug abuse (Nawi et al., 2021).
Since fentanyl was introduced to the United States in 2013, there has been a growing spread of extremely dangerous drugs, including synthetic opioids. It’s not just fentanyl anymore, but also versions of fentanyl and newer synthetic opioids that are different in structure but just as deadly (Leitz et al., 2023). The CDC notes that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, can be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, making it a dangerous substance even in the smallest of quantities (Kariisa et al., 2023). Therefore, when people are using drugs, they oftentimes can have a difficult time having any consistency regarding the strength of the drug they are using. Continuing your education and awareness of fentanyl can be key in aiding your child in lowering their propensity for drug usage (Nawi et al., 2021).
Breaking the Stigma
When one refers to fentanyl poisoning, this is due to accidental drug exposure through illicit drug manufacturing or sometimes even intentional acts where non-opioid drugs can be contaminated or laced, and fake prescription pills can have the same potential to cause poisoning or overdose. Being mindful of the dangers of the current fentanyl drug epidemic can be a part of reducing the risk of harm to your family. Furthermore, having an understanding of Naloxone (NARCAN), which can reverse a poisoning or overdose of opioids, which includes heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications, can further your family’s education and preparedness (Tilford, 2020).
Be Mindful of Your Child’s Drug Awareness and Readiness
Across all ages and stages, allowing a child to know that you are there to support them and are there for them is a pivotal foundation for building and supporting healthy relationships as well as preventing future drug usage (Toumbourou, 2003). When talking to your children about fentanyl and drug usage, having a preexisting relationship of support towards your child can aid in allowing your child to understand your posture when talking about drug safety (Toumbourou, 2003). Using age-appropriate language and being mindful of the context in which the conversation is had, parents can explain that fentanyl is a highly potent drug that, if misused, can cause serious harm or even death. As a parent, you can begin their conversations by sharing a clear and simple explanation of why fentanyl is dangerous (Han et al., 2019).
Create an Open-ended and Nonjudgmental Ongoing Dialogue
Fostering an environment where your child can regularly dialogue about their life and feelings can encourage your child also to come forward if / when they have any questions about drugs. Creating a family culture where big questions are not judged or addressed with fear can further allow your child to open up without fear. Additionally, finding time to connect with your child can let them know you are present and there for them. (Liahaugen Flensburg et al., 2023). When a larger topic, such as drug usage, comes into your child’s life, they will be more equipped as a supportive environment is already part of their resources. When addressing drugs, specifically fentanyl, be mindful of including the facts (such as the specific dangers and harms of fentanyl usage) (Han et al., 2019). It can be helpful to inform your child that their awareness and knowledge about drugs is one of the best ways to protect themselves.
Furthermore, supporting your children in their interests and hobbies and encouraging them to participate in clubs or sports that interest them can be key to allowing children to build up their self-esteem, which can aid in reducing drug usage. Additionally, encouraging them to be open about emotions and their own needs can assist in creating an ongoing environment of support. Research shows that disclosure can reduce feelings of shame when discussing substance usage or questions about drugs or alcohol. (Liahaugen Flensburg et al., 2023).
Seek Outside Support if Needed
Seeking support from parent associations or community resources can alleviate feelings of shame and isolation, providing valuable assistance and guidance as families navigate the challenges of the fentanyl epidemic together. In research by Liahaugen Flensburg (2023), many parents shared that being open about their struggles helped them feel less ashamed, made it easier to get support, and made them feel less alone. Finding resources, such as parent associations against drugs or organizations like XFoundation, can offer crucial support as you navigate this challenging landscape. Social support is vital not only for children but also for parents and caregivers.
What You Can Do This Halloween
As Halloween season approaches, it is important to understand potential risks associated with trick-or-treating, particularly regarding candy safety. Here are some tips for parents /care to help protect their children:
Check All Candy: After your child returns from trick-or-treating, inspect their candy haul. Discard any candy that is open, has a tampered wrapper, or looks suspicious.
Monitor Trick-or-Treating Activities: Know the route your child will take and encourage them to stick to well-lit, familiar neighborhoods. Accompany younger children while they trick-or-treat.
Educate on Laced Candy Risks: Discuss the possibility of candy being laced with substances like fentanyl, emphasizing the importance of not consuming any candy that seems off or was not purchased from a trusted source.
Encourage Communication: Let your child know they can come to you with any concerns about their candy or anything unusual they may encounter while out, encouraging a trusting and communicative space to discuss Halloween activities.
By fostering open communication and awareness, you can help ensure a safer Halloween experience for your children. We wish you a fun and safe Halloween!
References
Han, Y., Yan, W., Zheng, Y., Khan, M. Z., Yuan, K., & Lu, L. (2019). The rising crisis of illicit
