National

In the U.S, 3,900 people initiate non-medical use of prescription opioids on an average day. 78 people die each day from an opioid-related overdose (CDC.GOV).

North Carolina

More than 11,000 hospitalizations in 2013 and nearly 22,000 ED visits in 2014 related to medication or drug poisoning. Four people die each day from an opioid overdose in North Carolina. Heroin-related deaths have tripled from 79 deaths in 2011 to 253 deaths in 2014 (NCDHHS.GOV).

For county level opioid poisoning data click here. 

Pitt County

In Pitt County alone from 2004-2014, there have been 352 opiate related hospitalizations, 269 RX opiate hospitalizations, and 27 heroin related hospitalizations (NCDHHS.GOV).

How to Talk to Your Teen About Opioids

Discussion Starters

As a parent do you often find yourself wanting to have a discussion with your child about this important issue but aren’t quite sure where to start? Always, keep the lines of communication open by engaging in regular conversations. One-on-one conversations may not always give the results you would like. Be patient and keep initiating conversations.

Possible Conversation Starters:

Parent:  There’s a lot in the news lately about teens who are misusing prescription drugs. How much do you know about this? Do you know if kids at your school are taking prescription drugs like OxyContin® and Percocet® that were not prescribed for them?

• Sometimes teens will try to opt out of this conversation because they don’t want to share specific information about friends or peers. In this case, you can be ready with a story about your own teenage years and someone you knew or something that happened pertaining to drug use during that time. Talk about how you felt, and then ask what they would have thought had they experienced something similar. This is also an opportunity to talk about why this behavior is so dangerous.                                       

Parent:  I see that your school has been taking part in a drug prevention program. There is so much in the news right now, and I am not sure I understand all of it. What have you learned from this program?

• This approach can be useful for children who are reluctant to talk about their personal feelings or relationships. Get the conversation started by asking your child to explain factual or scientific knowledge for example, how opioids relieve pain and cause addiction and listen for opportunities to ask follow-up questions.

Know the Signs

Although each case is different, there are common signs of potential opioid misuse and abuse in children and teenagers…

These Include:

• Negative changes in grades – Are your child’s grades suddenly dropping after a long record of academic success?

• Skipping classes or school – Do you no longer know what your child is doing during the school day?

• Dropping longtime friends – Have your child’s friends suddenly changed?

• Loss of interest in usual activities – Does your child no longer seem interested in his or her “favorite” activities?

• Changes in appearance – Has your child developed an uncharacteristic lack of concern for grooming or hygiene?

• Changes in general behavior, including sleeping and eating habits – Has a normally energetic child become listless, or a laid-back child become unusually excitable?

Of course, the explanation for a sudden or unexpected change could have nothing to do with drugs. Each person is different, and the same behavior in different teens may have very different causes. Trust your instincts; after all, you know your child best. If something does not seem right, ask questions, investigate, and—if necessary—seek professional help.

Always Reach Out