Fredericksburg Parent

20 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • November 2022 Drug overdose deaths among adolescents are a growing problem, and one that parents should be vigilant about. JAMA published a na onal study in April 2022 show- ing that fatal overdose deaths among adolescents nearly doubled from 492 in 2019 to 954 in 2020. Be- cause overall drug use rates among American youth remained stable during this me period, researchers concluded that the illicit drug supply has become far more dangerous than it was a decade ago, with addi ons like fentanyl and other synthe cs greatly increasing the risk that experimenta on could lead to death. Dr. Sunny Shin, an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work, said the presence of chemicals such as fentanyl in drugs that teens have access to means that experimenta on or giving in to peer pressure on a whim can come with a lethal cost. "We see more and more lethal chemicals out there, and unfortunately it's very easy to buy those without even knowing it," Shin says. Even when teens get substances from within their own homes, such as abusing prescrip on or over-the-counter medica ons, marijuana/cannabis, edibles or vaping products, Shin notes that it's important for parents to keep in mind that teenage brains are s ll growing, and that these chemicals affect kids differently than they do adults. That can be a difficult message to get across to teens in an environment that is sending them a constantly evolving message about the societal acceptance of certain substances. This includes everything from the marke ng of vaping products in kid- friendly flavors to recent state legisla on that makes it legal for adults to possess and cul vate cannabis in Virginia. Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping START A CONVERSATION TODAY Try these opening lines to talk to your child about drugs and alcohol: ● "Have you been in situa ons where there were opportuni es for drug, vaping or alcohol use?" ● "Why do you think some young people abuse/use drugs, vapes and/or alcohol?" ● "When you feel down/stressed/lonely/bored, what do you do to feel be er? Are drugs, vapes or alcohol a part of that plan?" TALK TO KIDS THROUGHOUT CHILDHOOD Shin said research con nues to show that si ng down regularly for a family dinner can be a huge protec ve factor for teen mental health and sub- stance abuse. "Engage them in conversa on about their lives. It doesn't have to be—let's talk about vaping today and marijuana tomorrow," he says. "Simply provid- ing that connec on is a great way to reduce poten- al use or abuse of illegal chemicals." Local pediatrician Anne Bradshaw, a member of an area work group that seeks to address the drug cri- sis, says parents should open discussion with their children in elementary school. Studies now show that drug use starts for some children at this age. The idea is to prepare children for a me when drugs or other substances may be offered to them. "Knowledge is power," Bradshaw says. "Listening is key, and not just lecturing. Spending me with them helps you to have that open dialog with your child." AMONG HER TIPS FOR FOSTERING OPEN DIALOG: · Talk about what a real friend is, and how to build strong friendships. "A friend will encourage you and like you for who you are," Bradshaw said. · Be open about the ways modern media glamorize substance abuse and cannabis use among celebri es and social media stars. Talk about the real-life consequences of these choices. · Have clear and consistent rules based on your family's values. Use statements like, "In our family, we _____." · Talk about how use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or cannabis can prevent them from par cipat- ing in sports, dance, theater, jobs or other important ac vi es. · Encourage ac vi es that build kids' self-es- teem and self-worth. Praise their efforts, and praise them when they make good choices. During the teen years, when children may be more likely to be on their own at a gathering or party, Bradshaw says having an emergency code that your child can text to you at any me and get a re- sponse—either a call back or a pickup—is a good idea. talk about:

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