Grey-Bruce Kids Summer 2023

use, while being aware of your own unconscious biases.
• Set boundaries with your teen to foster a respectful
relationship; don’t be afraid to enforce the boundaries you
have implemented.
• Listen to your teen and keep an open mind. Encourage a
two-way conversation, while nurturing their self-confidence
and self-worth.
• Be involved in your teen’s life, while maintaining respectful
boundaries, to strengthen communication skills and
encourage open dialogue.
• Educate your teen early on about substance use and
preventative measures to allow them to make informed
decisions about drugs and alcohol.
• Know your goals for the conversation and avoid being
judgemental towards your teen; resist the urge to lecture or
use scare tactics.
• Recognize and acknowledge your own learning process.
• Only give factual information and discuss both the shortand
long-term effects that drugs can have on one’s mental
and physical health.
to keep on hand because it cannot be improperly used and does
not result in dependence.
Naloxone works only if there are opioids in the body, so it will
not cause any harm if given to someone who is unconscious
due to another medical reason. It’s available for free, without a
prescription, at pharmacies and Grey Bruce Public Health.
TALK TO YOUR TEEN
Here are some tips to support conversations with your youth/
teen about substance use:
• Create opportunities for your children to talk to you about
their feelings and experiences. Start these conversations
when children are young and maintain that connection
with your teens.
• Talk openly with your teen about medication and substance
PREVENTING PROBLEMATIC USE
If you or your teen needs pain relief, talk to your health care
provider about trying alternatives to opioids first (e.g., ibuprofen
or acetaminophen). If opioids are required, try a less powerful
type of opioid first, and ask for an opioid prescription with
fewer pills.
• Keep opioids and all other drugs in a safe and secure place,
preferably locked in a security box or cabinet.
• Keep track of the number of pills in each container when
you are taking prescription opioids for medical reasons.
If the number of pills does not match your normal use or
you need to refill your prescription sooner than expected,
someone else may be using your medication.
• Model safe and appropriate use of medication and other
substances that you may use, such as alcohol.
• Always adhere to the directions on the prescription
medication label. Never share your medication.
• Plan to set aside time at least once a year to empty out your
medicine cabinet and ensure you bring leftover and/or old
medications to your local pharmacist for safe disposal. Do
not flush medications or throw them in the garbage.
WHAT IF YOUR TEEN’S USING OPIOIDS?
• Have an open conversation with your teen when emotions
are not heightened and there are no distractions.
• Ask questions that encourage your teen to openly talk about
opioids, rather than just asking yes or no questions.
• Refer to specific events that have occurred that you are
18 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • SUMMER 2023