About Opioid Prevention
The importance of preventing opioid misuse and opioid overdosing is more apparent than ever – the North Georgia counties we serve are statistically among the highest rated for both. Reducing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and opioids themselves will open communication conducive to a healthy environment and promote making good decisions.
Prevention Starts at Home
According to the Partnership to End Addiction, 90% of people with addictions started using opioids in their teen years. It’s important to start a dialogue with your child before they reach their teenage years about the dangers and the frequency of drug exposure and use.
A child’s brain is constantly developing and changing well into their early 20s. Until the brain is fully developed, it can learn quicker than an adult brain, but it can also be more easily harmed. Set expectations, keep them involved, and build their confidence so they have the willpower and knowledge to withstand peer pressure.
View resources about opioid use disorder prevention.
School-Based Prevention
It’s likely your child has heard about opioid use disorder in some shape or form while at school, whether it be a school-based prevention program or from their peers. Ask your child questions about what they know about opioid use disorder. Research together some ways to avoid being pressured and utilize resources that elevate their confidence in saying “no.” By having an open, two-way, and non-judgmental line of communication, you will create a healthy environment for questions and promote good decision-making.
Community Initiatives to Prevent Opioid Misuse
Whether you are a business, church, elected official, healthcare provider, teacher, or community member, you can play a part in the prevention of opioid misuse in the communities North Georgia OPEN serves.
What makes someone more likely to develop opioid use disorder?
Learning, understanding, and being able to recognize the risks of a child or young adult developing opioid use disorder can help you catch the disease early, or more ideally, prevent it from ever forming. The following factors increase a child’s risk:
- Family history
- Mental health concerns
- Behavioral or impulse control issues
- Trauma exposure
- Environmental influencers
- Age of first use