Conversations can have a big impact. Talk to your teen about drugs and the risk of overdosing. Recently, “rainbow” fentanyl has been found in California and throughout the U.S. This is a potentially fatal drug found in pills and powders in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes. Tips to start the conversation:

• Pick a neutral time with no distractions.
• Be open and calm.
• Be prepared and focus on the conversation.
• Give teens scientific facts and explain the reality and risks of using drugs.
• Educate teens on naloxone, including how to use it and where to get it.
• Express your love and care.

Learn more how to talk to your teens: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/opioids-facts-parents-need-to-know/starting-conversation

Fentanyl & Opioid Overdose Prevention

• Parent Toolkit helps parents learn more about the opioid problem, recognize warning signs, and open lines of communication with youth.
• Parent conversation starters help parents talk with youth about opioid use and misuse (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• “Talk. They Hear You.” Parent resources to help parents start and continue the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age. (Source: SAMHSA)

Emerging Electronic Tobacco Products

Flavors Hook Kids

Tobacco, Nicotine & Vaping NIDA for teens

Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit

Tobacco Cessation & Quit Resources

• Quitting e-cigarettes
• California Smoker's HelpLine: Free services for teens and adults, including self-help materials and one-on-one counseling. Services are available in multiple languages. Call 2-1-1 for direct referrals.
• English: 1-800-NO BUTTS (1-800-662-8887)
• Spanish: 1-800-45 NO FUME (1-800-456-6386)
• Chew Tobacco: 1-800-844-CHEW (1-800-844-2439)

Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse

To understand the risks and know how to prevent your children from intentionally overdosing on cough and cold medicine follow this link.