In this guide you will:
Learn simple ways to start the conversation
Get the facts to confidently talk about fentanyl
Find questions to ask and what to expect
Let’s get started with Connect More:
Fentanyl Prevention Playbook!
FIRST STEPS:
HOW TO START TALKING ABOUT FENTANYL
Talking about fentanyl doesn’t have to feel like a challenge. Through communication and teamwork, you can win this round. Try these tips:
Start the conversation by asking your teen if they’ve ever heard of fentanyl.
Ask them to tell you more about what they’ve heard. If it’s not much, ask them if you can share more about what you know.
Pro-tip:
Download our Winning Guide on Fentanyl for easy info.
When talking about fentanyl, bring the conversation back to the good things about your teen and your relationship.
This can make the conversation more meaningful to them. It shows you care about them and want them to be informed so they can make healthier choices.
Develop a game plan to stay safe.
Sit down together and think about different things they can say or do if someone offers them a drug or a pill that’s not for them.
Communicate the rules:
Discussing your household rules and expectations about substances, including fentanyl and pill misuse, helps teens feel supported in making healthier decisions.
Don’t let emotions, like anger or fear, take over when you hear something unexpected or difficult.
It can sometimes be hard for young people to share their feelings or experiences. They may also be worried about your reaction if they open up to you. Just listen.
Be consistent and keep your conversations going.
If a conversation feels hard, you can pause and return to it another day. You don’t have to cover everything at once.
HELP YOUR TEEN RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF OVERDOSE
If you’re worried about your teen or their friends trying substances such as fentanyl, talk to them about available resources. Let them know you’re a safe and supportive person for questions about staying safe or getting help. This can include sharing information about naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and treatment services.
RESOURCES FOR WHAT TO DO NEXT
In a crisis, call 911
or contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255
or text “TALK” to 38255.
Find meaningful mental and behavioral health care options through Own Path.
CO Wellness Recovery is a free guide for mental wellness and addiction recovery.
I Matter connects young people (ages 11 and older) to free virtual counseling sessions with professional therapists, confidential and professional, for both individual outreach and parental support.
Try These Conversation Starters
CONNECT MORE:
SEE A FENTANYL CONVERSATION IN ACTION
Check out our tools to help prevent substance use and share what you’ve learned with your teen. It’s never too early or too late to start the conversation.