Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and several others.

According to recent data from Addiction Hope, more than 1,600 teens begin abusing prescription drugs each day. One in five teens who have abused prescription drugs did so before turning 14. 50 percent of teens believe prescription drugs are safer than illegal street drugs.

Every day in the U.S., 2,500 youth from ages 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain reliever. 65 percent of teens say that home medicine cabinets are their primary source of drugs. Two in three teens who have abused prescription drugs got them from a friend or relative. And teens abuse prescription drugs more than ecstasy, heroin, crack/cocaine, and methamphetamine combined.

It's due to those eye-opening statistics that an upcoming drug prevention presentation will be happening in Superior on July 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Mineral County Courthouse.

One of the key speakers for the event, Barbara Allen, an MSU Extension Associate Specialist, and Community Health Program Director explained, “The intended audience is parents/caregivers/guardians of adolescent youth. We hope to provide enough information for them to be aware and encourage to share what they learn. We also hope to dispel any myths surrounding Opioid Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder.”

The free presentation will cover awareness and knowledge about opioids (both prescription and illicit) and stimulants (both prescription and illicit).

Allen also noted, “Why youth, from a brain development perspective, are susceptible to substance first-time-use and misuse and what this means for caretakers of adolescents. Attendees will be more aware of the signs of substance misuse.”

An emphasis will be placed on the rise in fentanyl-laced substances.

She said, “Due to the lethal nature of fentanyl, youth with their “it can’t happen to me” mindset, need to be made aware that even “just once” can be fatal.”

There will also be material given on the stigma of substance use disorder (SUD).

Allen shared, “Reducing stigma is a national, regional, and state priority because the data tells that us that one of the most significant factors in someone with SUD not seeking help, is due to the stigma they face with medical providers, community members, etc.”

Recently, MSU Extension administered a survey to high schoolers in rural communities with findings of 17.5 percent reporting that there was “slight risk” and 20.3 percent reporting that there was a “moderate risk” of those individuals trying heroin once or twice. 6.3 percent of respondents stated this behavior carried “no risk” at all.

“Equally concerning, when asked about “using heroin once or twice a week”, 12.6 percent reported it as only a “moderate risk”, and 15.4 percent reported that using cocaine once per month carried “no risk”,” explained Allen.

9.8 percent of students responded saying that it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get cocaine. 45.5 percent reported it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get prescription pain relievers.

Allen detailed, “In Montana, (nationally as well) alcohol and other drug use rates continue to decrease from those of students 30 years ago, however, although the data indicates that drug use is not becoming more common among young people than it has been in the past (NIDA, 2022), the increase in overdose deaths among this population suggest that drug use is becoming more dangerous than ever before.”

One of the most essential roles for parents and caregivers is to understand that adolescents are natural risk-takers, and are more likely to experiment with illegal substances and prescription medications.

She conveyed, “Middle school is NOT too early to talk about substance misuse – these difficult conversations should continue through young adulthood. Practice Active Listening: Show concern, empathy, and always paraphrase what the adolescent has said. Lastly, clarify that you heard correctly and how he/she plans to move forward.”

Some helpful tips on starting the conversation:

• Don’t assume they know about medication misuse.
• Draw upon “teachable moments”.
• Be inquisitive but not accusative.
• Do not make the discussion a one-time event.

Keep the conversation going:

• Above all, let the adolescent know you love and respect them.
• Have a set dinner time where you can talk freely.
• Listen to what the adolescent has to say rather than jumping in and judging.
• Schedule a time for family to talk and determine freedoms, limits, and consequences.
• Avoid solving the problem.
• Allow the adolescent to express their ideas and solutions.
• Make sure you follow through.
• Model good practices.
• Be honest with them.

“There are several reasons this has become such a serious issue in recent years,” expressed Allen. “First, for a number of years there was an exorbitant amount of opioid pain medication being prescribed, not only in Montana, but nationally as well. This resulted in a large percentage of the population unknowingly becoming physically dependent on opioids. Subsequently, the DEA stepped in and put a stop to the overprescribing. This forced people, who had now developed severe Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), to seek opioids in the form of heroin.”

She continued, “Second, fentanyl became easier to obtain allowing drug cartels to cut ANY drug with fentanyl (cocaine, marijuana, counterfeit pills, methamphetamine, vaping devices, etc.). This made the laced-drug much more addictive and deadly.”

At the presentation on the 26th, they will talk about opioids, stimulants, and fentanyl. Allen mentioned, “We do run through a couple of images during the presentation to demonstrate how difficult it is to differentiate between the real and the fake. We absolutely welcome questions and comments. It provides a “richer” experience for everyone. Discussions are important in the learning process.”

Free medicine locking cases as well as drug deactivation system pouches, for old/unused medications will be distributed to attendees. Snacks and beverages will also be provided. To register for the event all the MSU Extension at 406-994-2015.