Protecting teens from opioids + prescription drugs: Facts every parent should know.

Opioids can quickly lead to addiction and overdose—knowing the dangers can save lives. Many teens get opioids from friends or family—safe storage and education are essential. We offer resources, Narcan and QPR trainings, and support to protect our community’s youth from opioid harm.
Stay informed to support your teen’s healthy decision-making.

Just the facts:
Opioids + meds
in Meriden

Meriden has seen a recent spike in opioid-related overdoses.

Most overdose deaths involve an opioid (fentanyl, heroin, or prescription pain reliever). The Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery (MORR) directly addresses the opioid crisis through use of Narcan in the field followed by referrals to specialized staff on Rushford’s Crisis Team. They then guide people on their path to recovery.

It happens everywhere, including in Meriden. Many teens mistakenly believe prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs, but misusing medications like opioid painkillers, stimulants, or anxiety medications can be extremely dangerous and lead to addiction, overdose, or other serious health consequences.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. It is a short acting medication that can reverse a lethal dosage of opioids by temporarily blocking the effects of the drug.

Our survey results* help us guide our approach.

In April 2025, students in Meriden Public Schools grades 6–12 participated in the Youth Voices Count Survey* on youth lifestyles, substance use, mental health, related risk and protective factors. THE OVERALL RESPONSE RATE WAS 79%.

Always make sure you secure and properly dispose of your meds. These are the top three ways Meriden youth say they acquire prescription drugs and opioids.

Stay connected with your teen and communicate the risks of misusing medications.
Here’s where Meriden youth most frequently use prescription drugs and opioids.

Your voice matters! Over 90% of Meriden youth say their parent or guardian would disapprove of them misusing prescription drugs or opioids.

Everyone deserves people and places they can trust and feel secure in. These are the top three responses from Meriden youth about their feelings of safety.

*YOUTH VOICES COUNT | April 2025 survey
figures rounded to the nearest whole number

see the full SURVEY

When it comes to opioids + meds, teens deal with real pressure. Here’s how you can help them handle it:

Start conversations early:

Don’t wait for a crisis. Have short talks, building trust so they feel safe coming to you.
Know what’s really out there:

Fentanyl is showing up in fake pills and can kill on first use. Even one pill can be deadly.
Address med sharing risks:

Sharing pills is illegal and can result in suspension, fines, or criminal charges for your teen.
Addiction has genetic components:

Discuss family substance addiction if it exists to help them understand risks.
Monitor their prescriptions closely:

If your teen is prescribed opioids, keep the bottle and supervise doses.
Secure your medicine cabinet:

Monitor pill quantities and lock up medications to protect teens from misusing meds.

Education empowers
positive change.

Knowing the facts about opioids, meds, and other substances helps you have real conversations with your kids. You don’t need to be an expert—just honest, informed, and present. That alone can make a big difference.

Adults! Get support + stay in the know.