Talking about prescription drug abuse with your child Mini-course #4 (parents)

Transcription

1 Talking about prescription drug abuse with your child Mini-course #4 (parents)

2 Introduction As a parent, you play an important role in preventing prescription drug diversion and prescription drug abuse for your child. Children in seventh through twelfth grade who learn about the risks of drug use from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs. This course will provide you with guidance on methods to talk to you child about prescription drug abuse. After completing this course, you will be able to: Understand approaches to talk about prescription drugs with your child Locate other resources to help you talk with your child about prescription drugs 2

3 Why is it important to talk with your child about prescription drugs? While 78 percent of children report talking about beer, alcohol, and marijuana with their parents, the number is much smaller for prescription drugs. Only 24 percent of children report talking with their parents about using prescription drugs without a doctor s prescription. As a parent, you may find it challenging to talk to your child about prescription drug abuse, but it is very important that you do. Specifically because of the growing prevalence of prescription drug abuse, it deserves much more attention. Children in seventh through twelfth grade who learn about the risks of drug use from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs. The more you know about the issue, the more likely your child is to listen to you. 3

4 Start a discussion about prescription drug abuse In the sections below, we provide general tips on having an effective private conversation with your child about prescription drugs. Every parent-child relationship is different, so each parent s approach to discussing prescription drugs with their child will be different. Remember, talking about prescription drugs is not a one time only conversation. Keep the lines of communication on this topic open. Starting a discussion about prescription drug abuse may seem awkward and difficult, so set the tone and don t try to lecture. Instead start a conversation with your child about prescription drug abuse using a recent, relevant example. Some topics you could use include: A recent celebrity overdose or celebrity entering rehab prescription drug abuse on TV or in a movie A family member, or the child, that recently received a prescription 4

5 What is a prescription drug? Use your chosen example as a springboard, and ask your child if he or she knows what an prescription drug is. Your child will probably have an idea, but be sure to emphasis the following: Some prescription drugs can be very dangerous and addictive if they are not taking according the doctor s directions. The types of prescription drugs that can be dangerous and addictive are painkillers, stimulants, and depressants.* Many prescription drugs in these categories are scheduled drugs, meaning by law they are strictly controlled. Prescription drugs can only legally be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor. *You may wish to explain each of these types of prescription drugs to your child. For detailed descriptions of these types of prescription drugs see Minicourse #1: Prevalence and characteristics of prescription drug abuse in youth. We generally recommend not using brand name examples of these drugs in conversations with kids because of the potential for creating curiosity. 5

6 The effect of prescription drugs on the brain It is very important for your child to understand why some prescription drugs can be very dangerous and addictive. Begin by explaining to your child that painkillers, stimulants, and depressants work by changing the chemistry of the brain. The brain is very powerful and complex. It controls all of the body s functions. Sometimes, prescription drugs are prescribed to change the brain s chemistry, which, when done under a doctor s supervision, can change brain functioning and greatly improve quality of life in people with certain medical conditions. In typical people those whose brains function properly without prescription medication taking an prescription drug can be very dangerous. In typical people, prescription drugs can change the brain chemistry in dangerous ways, and can damage the normal functioning of the brain, which can lead to many health problems including addition. 6

7 The effect of prescription drugs on the brain Emphasize that because painkillers, stimulants, and depressants work in the brain, it is very important to follow doctor s directions. Even if the prescription drug improves the functioning of the brain, taking the drug in a way not directed by the doctor can lead to problems. Because of the great power of prescription medications, they should only be used as prescribed under a doctor s supervision. Abuse of prescription drugs can be deadly. 7

8 Define prescription drug abuse Explain to your child that prescription drug abuse is the use of prescription drugs in ways other than the intended (prescribed) purpose. This can include: Taking prescription drugs without a prescription Taking prescription drugs in an amount different than prescribed Taking prescription drugs in a different method than prescribed 8

9 Explain the benefits of proper prescription use While it is important that you child understands the dangers of prescription drug abuse, it is just as important that your child understands that there is a medical reason for some people to take these medications. This is especially important if your child is taking prescription medications him or herself. You do not want your child to feel ashamed of taking a medication that is helpful for him or her. Emphasize that prescription medications are safe and effective in treating many conditions when supervised by a doctor. Doctors have special training to make sure that the medicine does what it is intended to do AND that the person taking the medication is safe and benefiting from it. 9

10 Explain the risks of abusing prescription drugs Many children are under the impression that because prescription drugs are used by many people and they benefit from them, that taking prescription drugs is safer than street drugs. Tell your child that prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as illicit street drug abuse, like heroin or cocaine abuse. People get addicted to prescription drugs when they abuse them and people can die from abusing prescription drugs. 10

11 Give examples of prescription drug abuse This is an opportunity to emphasize the definition of prescription drug abuse to help your child understand exactly what it is. Explain to your child that even self-medication is a form of prescription drug abuse if 1) you don t have a prescription for the medication or 2) you have a prescription, but you re not following directions from your doctor. Provide the following examples of self-medication for your child: Taking leftover prescription medication for a different purpose. For example, taking pain pills prescribed for wisdom tooth extraction for a later knee injury Changing the dosage of a medication, such as taking a double dose or skipping doses Getting pills from a friend or your medicine cabinet to treat a problem you have, for example getting Valium to help you sleep 11

12 Ask for your child s input Asking for your child s input is very important. Ideally, this discussion should be a two-way street with your child asking questions and giving his or her thoughts. You may need to draw your child into the conversation if he or she is quiet. Here is one strategy to try. Ask your child if he or she knows of any situations of prescription drug abuse or self-medication. If your child is struggling, this might be a good time to talk about a situation they may have seen in which an adult or peer role model may have self-medicated or shared prescription drugs. This may help your child become engaged in the conversation. Be sure to emphasize that it isn t healthy to self-medicate using prescription drugs because it s outside a doctor s supervision. Remind your child that it is important to follow doctor s directions when taking prescription medication. In light of this conversation, consider your own behavior. Remember that the way you treat and take prescription drugs is a model for your child. If you have self-medicated in the past, especially if your child knows about it, explain that you should not have done so, and that you now understand the importance of not doing it again in the future. 12

13 Wrapping up the discussion As you wrap up the discussion, be sure to tell your child that if he or she has a health concern, that he or she should come to you so that you can seek medical attention together. End by telling your child that he or she can come to you with questions or concerns at any time. 13

14 Seeking advice and support Sometimes it may be beneficial to have help when talking to your child about prescription drug abuse. If your child had a role model you trust, you can ask the role model to talk with your child about the topic separately as well, maybe as a follow up to the discussion you had with your child. Another option is to ask the role model to participate in the discussion with your child, if you feel it will make your child more comfortable. If, after speaking to your child about prescription drugs, you suspect your child is abusing prescription drugs, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Below are some resources to help you find professional help: National Drug Abuse Helpline Prescription drug abuse helpline and live chat 14

15 Don t be afraid Don t be afraid to talk with your child about prescription drugs. Remember, children that learn about the dangers of drug abuse from their parents are 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs. Even though a discussion with your child about prescription drugs may be uncomfortable or challenging at times, it can help keep your child safe. 15