As the opioid crisis continues to escalate across the U.S., it’s an ideal moment to educate children about addiction.
In Indiana, there were 1,104 opioid overdose deaths in 2018. While this number is lower than in previous years, it remains alarmingly high.
Many individuals become addicted to opioid painkillers due to a lack of awareness regarding their risks. Some may have never used drugs before but find themselves addicted after receiving a prescription for opioid painkillers.
It’s worth considering how many of these deaths could have been averted through proactive education before it becomes too late.
Research shows that children who learn about the dangers of drugs at an early age are less likely to develop substance use disorders as they grow older.
If you have children or teenagers, don’t shy away from discussing this topic. Regular conversations about drugs can make it easier to address serious issues when necessary.
So, how can you teach children about addiction?
Online Tools to Teach Children About Addiction
Today, numerous online resources are available for children, parents, and educators to explore. These tools are designed to educate users about various drugs, their effects on the mind and body, and the broader implications of addiction.
Such resources are crucial for informing young people about the realities they may face. Some present the information in a fun, engaging way, while others take a more serious approach.
It’s important for children to understand the severe consequences of substance use disorders to deter them from drug use for life. By educating young people about the dangers of addiction, we can help slow the spread of substance use disorders.
Here are some valuable resources worth exploring if you have kids at home:
NIDA for Teens
The National Institute of Drug Abuse features a well-designed and engaging section of its website specifically for teenagers, educators, and parents.
Genetics and the Brain offers informative and detailed accounts of how addictive substances alter brain chemistry over time. Additionally, the site includes fun Flash animations, such as the game Mouse Party, to illustrate the effects of drugs on the brain.
Heads Up
Heads Up is a responsive website filled with a wealth of compelling content related to substance use disorders. Young people can explore engaging topics like “Anyone Can Become Addicted to Drugs” and “Easy-to-Read Drug Facts.” The site also features interactive student activities, such as “Drugs and Your Body: It’s Not Pretty.”
Mind Matters
The Mind Matters series consists of 10 informative guide, each explores the ways that different drugs affect your brain, body, and life. Educators can utilize this guide along with provided lesson plans to facilitate discussions about drugs in the classroom. Each guide digs into the effects of a drug and its impact on brain function. Topics covered include:
- Brain Anatomy
- Marijuana
- Nicotine, Tobacco, and Vaping
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Methamphetamine
- K2/Spice and Bath Salts
- Cocaine
- Prescription Stimulants
- Suggested Classroom Activities
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is another vibrant online resource packed with educational facts and figures about:
- Prescription drugs
- E-cigarettes and vapes
- Marijuana
- Drugs and the brain
Users can also take various quizzes to test their knowledge or discover what their children already know about addiction.
Having "The Talk"
Starting a natural conversation is one of the best ways to educate your children about drugs.
We understand that approaching a teenager about drugs can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Begin the dialogue even if it feels somewhat patronizing at first; you’ll quickly grow more comfortable as the conversation unfolds.
Getting the tone right is essential. You don’t want to come across as out-of-touch, nor do you want to inadvertently endorse substance abuse.
Maintaining an honest and open line of communication at all times is crucial. Encourage your children to share their experiences with drugs and illegal substances if they encounter them at school.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids offers a free downloadable “Parent Talk Kit,” which provides scenarios for smoothly introducing the topic of drugs to children of different ages. The guide encourages you to engage in open, regular discussions about both street drugs and prescription medications, making it a valuable resource if you’re unsure how to approach the subject.
Another excellent resource on this site is titled “Start a Conversation, Not a Confrontation.” This guide shares tips on how to approach young people you suspect may be using substances, helping you foster a cooperative dialogue rather than an adversarial one.
The website also lists contact numbers for various support organizations for parents concerned about their children’s substance use.
What To Do Next
Addressing the ongoing substance use crisis in the U.S. is a shared responsibility.
Regardless of whether you have children, everyone can benefit from educating themselves about illegal drugs, prescription medications, and addiction in general. You never know whose life you might save with the right knowledge.
If your child has started using drugs, remember that many individuals struggling with addiction are often dealing with some form of emotional trauma. Approach your child with compassionate firmness and avoid expressing anger. Ultimately, addiction is a disease that requires care and loving support to overcome.
When words aren’t enough and you need to take action to help your child stop using drugs, Sunrise Recovery offers both residential treatment and intensive outpatient programs in Indiana following a safe detox. We can assist with all aspects of ongoing recovery. Call our friendly team today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747.
