Sunday, September 10 is  Grandparents Day. It’s a good opportunity to take the time to recognize the hardworking grandparents who are actively involved in shaping the lives of their grandchildren. Many grandparents are considered positive role models and influences in the lives of younger generations. 

This may involve speaking to them about drugs, peer pressure and the ongoing risks surrounding fentanyl. Young people often face considerable peer pressure, primarily through social media. 

Resources like the Seniors' Guide to Fentanyl and local drug education programs in New York provide valuable and practical information. This can help someone become more informed and speak about the topic. 

When speaking to your grandchildren, keep things age-appropriate and use language that is easy for a child or teen to understand. There are different ways to discuss the topic depending on their age. 

When speaking to teens or young adults, ask open-ended questions like: What do you know about fentanyl? Or What are your thoughts on drug use? Are you concerned about someone offering you drugs? 

Share personal experiences and examples of peer pressure and how it was managed. While the approaches to peer pressure are much different today because of social media, the practical methods of handling or avoiding it can still be applied.

Teens can often experience significant peer pressure online through their social media platforms. Social media also glorifies drug and alcohol use. 

Please encourage them to speak to their parents or caregivers and help them create a trusting environment with the people they live with. Get them to ask questions and voice their opinions, as this becomes the best way to share ideas and gain knowledge. 

Drug education helps people make responsible decisions while avoiding dangerous situations. 

Illegal fentanyl is placed into cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. It is also made into counterfeit pills resembling common prescription pain medication. These illegal pills are sold on social media platforms. Drug dealers use code words and emojis to advertise products, often targeting young people. 

In New York State, there were over 4,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2020. The age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths involving any opioid increased by 46%. The rate of deaths in 2020 was four times that of 2010. 

The opioid epidemic has shown no signs of slowing down, and it continues to impact communities across the state. Young people always benefit from drug education, which can ultimately save lives.

Marie Garceau has been working in the field of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. Her primary focus is to reach out to the community and spread awareness. She does this to educate others about the dangers of drug use and help them make informed decisions.