I want to share something that might surprise some of you. A few weeks ago, I taught my 10-year-old son, Zack, how to use Narcan. Yup, you read that right. Zack, who’s moving into middle school in September, now knows how to administer a life-saving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.
It all started one evening while watching the HBO series “Euphoria.” If you’ve seen it, you know it’s raw and brutally honest about the realities of teenage life, including the very real and present danger of drug use. I can honestly say that this brilliant series simultaneously shook me to my core and changed my parenting perspectives. I realized that the world Zack is growing up in is vastly different from the one I knew at his age. It’s filled with new challenges, and sadly, one of them is the opioid crisis.
Zack is moving into middle school soon. It’s an exciting time, but also a bit nerve-wracking. As parents, we always want to protect our kids, to keep them safe from harm. But the truth is, we can’t be with them every second of the day. We can’t shield them from every danger, but we can arm them with knowledge and tools to stay safe. That’s where the conversation about opioid safety comes in.
Opioid safety isn’t a topic most people think to discuss with their 10-year-olds, but let me tell you, it’s necessary. The sad reality is that kids are exposed to drugs much earlier than we’d like to believe. They hear about it from friends, see it on social media, and, unfortunately, sometimes even encounter it at their school and/or extracurricular activities. Pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t make it go away. Ignoring it only leaves them unprepared.
So, I sat Zack down and explained what opioids are and why they’re dangerous. We talked about how addiction can happen to anyone, and how even one wrong decision can lead to tragic consequences. And then, we talked about Narcan. I showed him how to use it, explaining that it could save a life if someone around him ever needed it. It wasn’t a fear-driven conversation but an empowering one. I wanted him to understand that knowing how to use Narcan is like knowing CPR—it’s a way to help someone in an emergency.
I know some might think it’s extreme to teach a 10-year-old about this, but I believe it’s about being proactive. This experience has made me realize that parenting in today’s world means tackling tough topics head-on. We can’t shy away from the realities our kids face. Instead, we need to equip them with knowledge and tools to navigate these challenges safely. We teach our kids about “stranger danger,” about looking both ways before crossing the street, and about what to do in case of a fire. Why not add opioid safety to that list? It’s another layer of protection, another way to ensure they’re equipped to handle the unexpected.
Parents, we need to start these conversations earlier than we think. Our kids are capable of understanding more than we give them credit for. By talking openly and honestly, we can demystify these dangers and give them the tools they need to make smart decisions. It’s not about instilling fear but about fostering awareness and responsibility.
Teaching Zack how to use Narcan was a moment of empowerment for both of us. It reassured me that he has another skill to keep himself and those around him safe. And for Zack, it was a lesson in compassion and readiness.
If “Euphoria” taught me anything, it’s that we can’t afford to wait until it’s too late. Our kids are our greatest treasures, and they deserve every ounce of preparation we can give them. So, talk to your kids. Equip them with knowledge. Teach them to be ready. Let them know that they can always come to you with their questions and fears, and, most importantly parents, stay open to listening to your kid’s perspectives and experiences.
Stay safe and be well.
