The entire month of August is dedicated to drug overdose awareness and to remembering the people who lost their lives from a drug overdose. Promoting drug use prevention programs is one way to bring an understanding of the drug epidemic. Additionally, it brings awareness about drug addictions, substance abuse, and recovery from substance abuse on social media. Talk to your preteens, teenagers, and young adults about addictions and substance abuse. As well as not blaming yourself or your child if they are struggling with a drug addiction.
Notice any
changes in their behavior, mood, and in their appearance. Never leave them
alone. If there is evidence of drug use, do not yell at them either. But do call
an ambulance or a poison center if they have passed out or are unconscious.
Look for other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, chest
pains, sweating, cold chills, seizures, and breathing issues. Make sure they always
stay awake and do not give them a bath or shower.
Furthermore,
do not give them anything to drink or eat while they wait for the ambulance. Since
this will prevent any interactions with the drugs, alcohol, or other substances
that were misused. Stay there until the paramedics take the person to the hospital.
Rehabilitation, therapy, and detox treatment programs can prevent another
relapse from addictions, drug abuse, and substance abuse. Yet, support from
family and friends is vital for supporting someone who is recovering from an
addiction.
Often teenagers
might not listen to their parents but might listen to their uncle or aunt for
emotional support and for advice. Forty six percent of teenagers have tried illicit
drugs due to peer pressure, to fit in their group of friends, or out of
curiosity. Approximately more than one hundred thousand teens die from a drug
overdose each year which continues to increase. Moreover, storing prescribed
medications in a safe place where children and the youth cannot retrieve. Also,
make sure there are adult supervised activities in your child’s school and at
home.
Do not eat medicated
cannabis brownies, candies, and other cannabis items in front of children. Instead
purchase medicated cannabis in a different edible form and lock it in a safe
place. Also, any recreational drug for relieving pain must be hidden from
teenagers and children. Always seek medical help and have frequent
conversations with your children. Ask them questions about their school day, peer
pressures, and take care of their mental health.
Purple is
used to bring attention to Overdose Awareness Month and to remember those who
lost their lives. As well as having conversations with your children during
Overdose Awareness Week which is on August 27th- September 2nd.
Devote some time to bring awareness of drug abuse, substance abuse, and alcohol
with conversations with your children. Post on social media statistics and
other resources about preventing drug overdose before or on August 31st
for International Overdose Awareness Day. This day is about bringing awareness
and promoting prevention methods to prevent drug overdose.
It is also a
day of remembrance and to give support to people who are recovering. Wear
purple and post educational information in purple on social media. Call 988 if
you are struggling with an addiction, substance abuse, alcohol, and other
issues. Get enough information to help someone online and with someone that you
know that is fighting with drug and alcohol use. Here are resources about drug overdose
prevention.
Fentanyl Overdose Prevention:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/Communications-Toolkits/Fentanyl-Overdose-Prevention.aspx
Overdose Prevention-Vital Strategies:
https://www.vitalstrategies.org/overdose-prevention/
Overdose Lifeline Organization-Youth Prevention Programs:
https://www.overdoselifeline.org/youth-prevention-programs/
Beware of Cannabis Brownies, Candies, and Other Treats That Appeal to Kids:
Beware of cannabis brownies, candies and other treats that appeal to kids (medicalxpress.com)
What Should You Do During a Drug Overdose-Get Smart About Drugs:
What Should You Do During a Drug Overdose? | Get Smart About Drugs
988 Lifeline:
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