Talking with Children about Opioids and Overdose Prevention

As children begin to make more decisions on their own, they may face greater temptation and peer pressure. It’s important to help them understand what prescription opioids (pain medicine or pain killers) are and why they shouldn’t misuse them.

In the last five years, teen overdose deaths in King County have risen 500%. This increase is due largely to counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a dangerously strong synthetic opioid, and even small doses can lead to death. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste when it’s laced into pills.

Please talk directly with children about the risks of substance use. Even though these conversations can be challenging, they’re important to have.

Helpful resources for families and students:   

• Washington State’s Start Talking Now Conversation Resources
• Washington State’s Starts With One Campaign
• SPS Coordinated School Health Opioids and Overdose Prevention