With the opioid epidemic a concern across every community, it is important to take a moment and recognize what an opioid is. While heroin is often the first drug that comes to mind when one thinks of an opioid; one must be mindful that opioids are a much larger classification of drugs. Grandparents, who are often a population with special medical needs, may have prescription pain medications readily available as these medications are often prescribed for pain management purposes and are well monitored by their doctor. When these medications are abused and/or used for recreational purposes by someone other than who they were prescribed for this is cause for serious concern. Addiction, also referred to as substance use disorder, is a chronic disease of the brain in which the brain chemistry of an individual changes. Individuals do not start their journey of addiction with heroin. In fact, according to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), individuals do not start using heroin without warning signs – the use of prescription pain medication is the most common.
NYS OASAS identifies the following warning signs associated with opioid addiction:
Physical Signs
• Change in physical appearance
• Small pupils
• Non responsiveness
• Drowsy
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in weight
• Intense flu-like symptoms
• Wearing long-sleeves or hiding arms
Behavioral Signs
• Change in attitude and/or personality
• Avoiding contact with family and/or friends
• Changes in friends and/or activities
• Drop in grades
• Isolation
• Moodiness
• Stealing
Advanced Warning Signs
• Missing medications
• Burnt or missing spoons and/or bottle caps
• Syringes
• Small bags with powder residue
• Missing shoe laces and/or belts
Grandparents can play a vital role in identifying these warning signs. So what are some things you can do if you are concerned about your grandchild or other loved ones? One of th easiest ways to be preventative and proactive with opioid addiction is to be diligent with prescription medications. Know what medications are in your home and keep track of the quantities and last refill date for each medication. Keep all medications out of reach of children, including adolescents (and their friends). Dispose of any unused or expired medications at local Medication Drop Boxes. Genesee County has drop boxes available at the following locations:
• New York State Police Troop A - Batavia, 4525 West Saile Drive, Batavia, NY 14020-1095
• Genesee County Sheriff's Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Another “need to know” tip for Grandparents is to learn how to get the difficult conversation about substance use started. It is never too early to have a discussion about drugs or alcohol with adolescences, especially if there is a concern about opioid misuse. Grandparents can help with this difficult conversation by learning more about opioids and addiction, watching for warning signs, addressing the topic in a respectful but clear manner, and being involved and engaged with their grandchildren and loved ones.
If you have a concern about a grandchild or other loved one, do not wait to get help. There are local resources available to help individuals seeking treatment. Locally, you can call Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) at 585-343-1124 in Batavia or 585-589-0055 in Albion. Individuals can also contact the New York State HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 for toll-free, anonymous, and confidential information and referrals. Not sure there is a need for treatment? Consider registering for a FREE Naloxone (Narcan) training in your community.
For more information visit the NYS OASAS Combat Addiction website at
www.combataddiction.ny.gov or call GCASA.
