Organization urges parents to use COVID-19 as a time to talk with kids about drug use

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — With opioid use on the rise during the coronavirus pandemic, one organization said parents should seize the opportunity to discuss drug use with their children.

Vicki Kavanaugh, a spokesperson for the TalkSooner initiative, said teens and young adults were especially vulnerable to high-risk substance use and abuse. Kavanaugh noted the extra time at home due to the pandemic was a great time to talk with your kids about drug use and the dangers behind it.

"Many of us think of the pandemic and only see the bad," Kavanaugh said. "However, this can be a time to sit down with your kids and discuss drug and opioid use."

New data from the state of Michigan showed opioid use surged during the coronavirus pandemic. Statistics released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services indicated the number of overdoses jumped by 33% between April and May.

• MDHHS: Opioid overdoses in Michigan surge during COVID-19 pandemic
• Addicted Michigan:How COVID-19 is impacting opioid use disorder treatment services
  

Kavanaugh said the uptick could be linked to the isolation many people felt during the pandemic.

"We are all under a lot of stress right now and some of our resources like school, church, small groups aren't available right now," Kavanaugh said.

• COVID-19: Find the latest news on the outbreak in West Michigan by visiting the Newschannel 3 coronavirus page.
  

Kavanaugh provided the following tips for discussing drugs and use disorders.

Talking Tips:

Early Childhood: Be a good role model, talk about health, spend time together.

Pre-Tween: Talk about drugs now so it's a comfortable topic later.

Tween: Consider your own actions and look for teachable moments.

Teen: Be a good listener, keep it casual, and watch your language.

Young Adult & Former Users: Continuing the conversation with a young adult? Or do you have a history that includes drug use? What do you say to your kids about your past drug use?

Find out what to say when, here.

If you or someone you know has an opioid use disorder:

• Access resources to support the mental and physical health of those with substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Contact your primary care provider before you run low on necessary medications. If you need access to a medical provider, contact your nearest federally qualified health center for support.
• Ensure naloxone is readily available to treat overdoses. Naloxone for All and NEXT Distro will mail naloxone at no cost to anyone in Michigan. Individuals can request naloxone online. MDHHS has also created an online naloxone portal where community organizations can request free naloxone.
• Practice safer drug use (safety practices that prevent overdose deaths) and encourage others to do the same. More information is available in Safer Drug Use during the COVID-19 outbreak. Never Use Alone is a service anyone can call while using drugs. The caller will be connected to a person who will seek emergency services for them if they drop off the line or don’t respond to a return call. Call 800-484-3731 or visit NeverUseAlone.com to learn more.
• Find a syringe services program near you that can provide sterile needles, naloxone, and other life-saving resources.

If you or someone you know would like to seek treatment for opioid use disorder:

• Treatment centers are still open during COVID-19 and listed online so you can find a center near you.

If you or someone you know is in recovery:

• Reach out with a phone call, text, or email to let them know you are there. Model good coping behaviors yourself.
• Share the COVID-19 hotline number (888-535-6136) and tell them to press “8” for free emotional support counseling.
• Direct them to Michigan's Stay Well website for a list of other helplines, including a peer “warm line” for individuals in distress who want to talk to someone who understands substance use disorders, the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
• Call 211. Anyone struggling or seeking resources for substance use treatment services can call this free service that connects Michigan residents with health resources in their communities.

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