Navigating the Fentanyl Crisis: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

In the face of a devastating opioid epidemic, families across the nation are grappling with the devastating impact of fentanyl. This report, part of News4 and Telemundo 44's Fighting Fentanyl series, delves into the personal stories of those affected and offers expert guidance on how to protect our children from this insidious threat.

Empowering Parents to Safeguard Their Children's Future

Starting the Conversation: Addressing Substance Risks Early

Experts emphasize the importance of initiating discussions about substance use risks with children as early as 11 or 12 years old, even before they encounter these challenges. By addressing broader substance-related risks, including nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis, parents can lay the groundwork for crucial conversations about the dangers of fentanyl. This proactive approach equips young people with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the complex landscape of substance use.

Dr. Marc Fishman, a Maryland psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment, underscores the need for parents to be vigilant and aware of the evolving threats on the streets. "We don't know what's on the street," he cautions. "And what we do know is that things are marketed, as you say, as Adderall, as Xanax, as oxycodone, as Percocet, as whatever. And it's often, if not always, pressed fentanyl ... This is 50 times more powerful than heroin, 100 times more powerful than morphine."

Recognizing the warning signs of substance use is crucial, as Fishman notes that parents often struggle to identify the early stages of a problem. "We know from the data that parents are notoriously bad at recognizing and knowing when their kids have started to get into substance-use problems. So, the thing to get better at is looking for signs of change and deterioration ... What's the decline in the trajectory? They used to be into such and such fun thing – art, sports, school, friends – and now they're losing it?"

Seeking Help: Navigating the Treatment Landscape

When faced with the realization that a child is struggling with substance use, parents may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Fishman emphasizes the importance of persistence and resourcefulness, urging parents to "start with whatever trusted health caregiver you have access to. Is it the pediatrician? ... Don't stop until you get connected with somebody. Maybe it's not a doctor. Maybe it's a school counselor. Maybe it's a member of the faith community who's connected to a network of advice. But keep asking and don't give up until you get a yes."

The path to recovery is often not a straight line, and Fishman acknowledges the challenges parents may face. "One of the best things I can say to kids and their families is, don't give up on this." He offers a message of hope, stating, "There is light at the end of the tunnel. We have effective treatments. Stay engaged. And if it's three steps forward and two steps back, that's OK. Keep connected. Keep coming back. Never give up."

Overcoming Denial and Misconceptions

Fishman addresses the common misconception that the opioid crisis is limited to certain demographics, emphasizing that fentanyl is an "equal-opportunity evil." He cautions parents against assuming they are immune to the devastating effects of this crisis, urging them to "pay attention. Talk to the kids. Have the conversations ... It is an equal-opportunity evil."

Navigating the conversations with teenagers can be particularly challenging, as Fishman acknowledges. "You don't need to be their best friend ... Have a listening ear. Be sympathetic ... Never make the mistake that they don't carry your voice around in their heads, even if they don't follow it immediately." He encourages parents to persist, drawing parallels to other risk-taking behaviors they have addressed with their children in the past.

The stories shared by families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to fentanyl serve as a sobering reminder of the urgency of this crisis. A Montgomery County mother's poignant words, "I always had hope for the future," underscore the devastating impact of this epidemic and the ongoing need for comprehensive support and treatment options, particularly for teenagers.