Experts
suggest that talking with teens about drugs, alcohol and sex should actually
begin before the teen years. Establishing open lines of communication is key to
being able to talk about such complicated topics.
It's not only about your child
I
talk to my children about the dangers of taking drugs, but I have also talked
with them about how to deal with a friend taking drugs. I make sure they know
that taking care of the person is more important than worrying about getting in
trouble. Safety always comes first.
The
open lines of communication are key so that they understand they can help their
friends without getting in trouble. Teens try to handle big problems by
themselves to protect each other from the authorities or repercussions. We talk
about the laws that protect those who help someone who is drunk or has
overdosed.
RELATED: 4 conversations to have with your daughter
The Good Samaritan & Immunity Law in NY
According
to the National Conference of State Legislatures website, “To encourage people to seek out medical
attention for an overdose or for follow-up care after naloxone has been
administered, 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some
form of a Good Samaritan or 911 drug immunity law. These laws generally provide
immunity from arrest, charge or prosecution for certain controlled substance
possession and paraphernalia offenses when a person who is either experiencing
an opiate-related overdose or observing one calls 911 for assistance or seeks
medical attention. State laws are also increasingly providing immunity from
violations of pretrial, probation or parole conditions and violations of
protection or restraining orders.”
Having a plan can save a life
Naloxone or Narcan can temporarily revive those
with a drug overdose. Patients need healthcare assistance after taking the drug
even if they look revived and well. The Good Samaritan and Immunity laws
protect those who call for help from being prosecuted. This is an important
piece of any conversation, so that teens do not hesitate to take action. Quick
reaction is often the difference between life and death.
Teens also need to know how to handle the
situation without panicking. That is why they need a plan before something goes
wrong. When I talk with my teens, I talk to them about handling all sorts of
emergency situations. I have compared a plan for caring for a friend with a
drug overdose with knowing where the fire exits are in a new building. A plan
before an emergency is always a good idea.
Opening the lines of communication is key
Teens need to talk about tough situations
regularly to make it feel less scary if something happens. My teens often call
me when a situation is complicated. I have told them in emergency situations
they need to call 911 first and then they can be in touch with me. Moments
count.
I also review questions emergency workers may
ask. My teens may not know all the answers and I tell them that is okay too,
they just need to know what they may be asked so it does not make them more
nervous.
We review what may happen by discussing some
questions that may be asked. Has the overdosed person had drug issues in the
past? Do they carry their own Narcan which can be administered while waiting
for emergency personnel? Is Narcan available nearby (school nurse). Does the
caller know what drug was taken and possibly how much?
Throughout the question process, I reassure
that knowledge is helpful in this situation. It will not get the caller in
trouble.
My teens have actually been the ones to tell me
that they learned that If someone is recovering from drug addiction an overdose
can occur more easily because the person recovering does not have the same
tolerance after rehab. If that person does have a relapse and takes the same
dose as before rehab an overdose often recurs.
Every conversation ends with one last
reminder—saving a life comes first. I will not take that event to make a
judgement or punish. They have immunity with me too.