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Difficult conversations

Non Judgmental Conversations

A major misconception about fentanyl related overdoses and deaths is that they only impact individuals with substance use disorders. The reality is that in many tragic cases, victims don’t know that the pills or substances they are taking contain fentanyl. That means that the dangers of fentanyl can impact everyone; from first time users to those who struggle with addiction. 

Being aware of these stigmatizing impressions is important for having non judgemental conversations with friends and loved ones. Non-Judgmental conversations are foundational in preemptive efforts to curb the devastating effects of fentanyl in our communities.

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FRIEND TO FRIEND

Whether a friend struggles with opioid use disorder or is thinking about experimenting with drugs for the first time, sharing what you know about the dangers of fentanyl is important. Here are some resources that can help to have an effective, non-judgmental conversation.

  • Fentanyl is an epidemic: “Illegal drugs made with fentanyl are flooding the United States, leading to a record number of overdose deaths. The problem is nationwide, because young people today can get drugs almost anywhere — online, from friends, and on the streets.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #1)
  • Fentanyl is pervasive: When the DEA seizes fake prescription pills, it tests them. The DEA Laboratory has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2023, 7 out of 10 now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. (see Youth to Youth Resource link #2)
  • Fentanyl can impact everyone – from individuals who use drugs regularly to first timers: “People who want to experiment or self-medicate with prescription medication may buy a few pills and accidentally consume fentanyl. Fentanyl has become so common that even a pill from a trusted friend may not be safe.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #1)
  • Fentanyl’s presence in common drugs: “Fentanyl is showing up in cocaine, heroin, pain pills like Percocet, Oxycodone, or Norco pills, and in prescription anxiety medications like Xanax.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #3)
  • Protect Yourself,  Protect Your Friends: “Fake pills and other drugs made with fentanyl might look like the real thing, but they can be deadly. Find out how to keep yourself and others safe.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #4)
  • Check in on your friends’ metal health: “When people don’t have healthy ways to cope, they may turn to illegal drugs or pills that were prescribed for someone else… Ask your friends how they’re doing. Let them know you’re available if they ever want to talk. Some people try to hide that they’re having a hard time, but talking about it is the first step toward getting help.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #5)
  • Feeling awkward about saying something?  When deciding if you should speak to your friend the dangers of fentanyl, “you may have some concerns, such as fear or mixed feelings about getting involved in someone else’s life.” Just remember that Fentanyl is a leading cause of death, and sharing what you know about fentanyl and harm reduction resources like test strips and Naloxone can have life-saving effects. (see Youth to Youth Resource link #5)
  • What should I say to start the conversation? Though routed in conversations about mental health, these conversation starters from Seize the Awkward are great prompts to kick off a dialogue with a friend about fentanyl and substance use. 
  • Starting the Conversation
  • During the Conversation 
  • After the Conversation

     

  • Get access to and learn how to use opioid reversal medication: If you anticipate being in a setting or situation with friends where illegal drugs may be consumed, have access to opioid reversal medications.  “Opioid reversal medications are safe, legal medications that can reverse an opioid overdose, including fentanyl, in minutes. Learn how to use them, and carry them with you.”
  • (see Youth to Youth Resource link #6)
  • Don’t stigmatize, voice your worries and concerns, and be a listening ear: “People use drugs for all sorts of reasons. They might be stressed, curious, impulsive, or bored – or maybe their friends take drugs and offer them some. Whatever the reason, fentanyl is a real risk. Check out these resources to learn more and help others. (see Youth to Youth Resource link #5)
  • The following resources address conversations around addiction, which may or may not be the right characterization for your friend or loved ones. Even so, there are helpful conversation tips here that may aid in having non-judgmental conversations about fentanyl. 
    • Practice communication techniques rooted in support and kindness: This resource contains “several communication strategies [that] can help you show support and compassion in a healthy effective way.” (see Youth to Youth Resource link #7)
    • Create time and clear space to voice concerns: Experts and resources encourage allotting enough time to have a two-way conversation, preparing a list of your observations of concerning behavior, and finding a moment when the person is not under the influence—these and other guidelines can help support the start of the conversation.(see Youth to Youth Resource link #8)
    • Avoid words that stigmatize (see Youth to Youth Resource link #9)

Youth to Youth Resource Links

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ADULT TO YOUTH

With fentanyl related overdoses and deaths on the rise in youth aged 13 – 25, it’s more important than ever for parents and adults to have conversations with the young people in their lives about how to stay safe. Here are some resources that can help to have an effective, non-judgmental conversation.

  • Fentanyl is an epidemic: “Illegal drugs made with fentanyl are flooding the United States, leading to a record number of overdose deaths. The problem is nationwide, because young people today can get drugs almost anywhere — online, from friends, and on the streets.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #1)
  • Fentanyl is pervasive: When the DEA seizes fake prescription pills, it tests them. The DEA Laboratory has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2023, 7 out of 10 now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. (see Adult to Youth Resource link #2)
  • Fentanyl can impact everyone – from individuals who use drugs regularly to first timers: “People who want to experiment or self-medicate with prescription medication may buy a few pills and accidentally consume fentanyl. Fentanyl has become so common that even a pill from a trusted friend may not be safe.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #1)
  • Fentanyl’s presence in common drugs: “Fentanyl is showing up in cocaine, heroin, pain pills like Percocet, Oxycodone, or Norco pills, and in prescription anxiety medications like Xanax.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #3)
  • Protect Yourself,  Protect Your Friends: “Fake pills and other drugs made with fentanyl might look like the real thing, but they can be deadly. Find out how to keep yourself and others safe.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #4)
  • A Medical Professional Perspective on talking Fentanyl with your kids: Education and understanding about the dangers of Fentanyl are key. This breakdown of the dangers of Fentanyl offers a medical professional’s perspective of the importance of having conversations about those dangers with the young people in your life. (see Adult to Youth Resource link #5)
  • When Should I Start Talking to My Child or Children in My Life About Substance Use? “Starting early and keeping the lines of communication open as your child grows can make a big difference in preventing early substance use. Whatever their age, let your children know you’ll be there for them, no matter what.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #6)
  • Know the Facts: Refer to a fact-based tool kit with tips for having the conversation (Talk to Your Kids about Fentanyl – Guide)
  • Tips for navigating the conversation (see Adult to Youth Resource link #7)
    • Instead of waiting for the “right” moment, bring up the topic of fentanyl anytime.
    • Talking to your kids about fentanyl helps keep them safe. It doesn’t make them more likely to try drugs.
    • Be open, honest, and empathetic. Tell your kids what you found surprising or scary about fentanyl.
    • Keep the conversation going. Instead of trying to say everything at once, have multiple short talks.
    • Check in with your child about their mental health on a regular basis. Encourage them to let you know if they are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or pain, so you can help.
  • How do I ask my child about their personal experience with substance use?
    • “It is OK to ask directly about drug use, but don’t make assumptions that they are using drugs, how often, or why they use it. Try to find out what your child’s life is like. Be relaxed and give them a chance to express their views.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #9)
  • The following resources address conversations around addiction, which may or may not be the right characterization for your loved one. Even so, there are helpful conversation tips here that may aid in having non-judgmental conversations about fentanyl. 
    • Practice communication techniques rooted in support and kindness: This resource contains “several communication strategies [that] can help you show support and compassion in a healthy effective way.”(see Adult to Youth Resource link #10)
    • Create time and clear space to voice concerns: Experts and resources encourage allotting enough time to have a two-way conversation, preparing a list of your observations of concerning behavior, and finding a moment when the person is not under the influence—these and other guidelines can help support the start of the conversation. (see Adult to Youth Resource link #11)
    • Avoid words that stigmatize (see Adult to Youth Resource link #12)
  • In many tragic instances of fentanyl related deaths, victims don’t know that the pills or substances they are taking contain fentanyl. “As millions of fentanyl-tainted pills inundate the United States masquerading as common medications, grief-scarred families have been pressing for a change in the language used to describe drug deaths. They want public health leaders, prosecutors and politicians to use “poisoning” instead of “overdose.” In their view, “overdose” suggests that their loved ones were addicted and responsible for their own deaths, whereas “poisoning” shows they were victims.” (see Adult to Youth Resource link #13)

Adult to Youth Resource Links

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