FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2024
Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Emphasizes the Role of Parents in Protecting Teens from the Opioid Crisis

MILLBURN, NJ — The opioid epidemic continues to ravage the state –  destroying lives and devastating families. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) urges parents to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their children from this evolving crisis.

“The opioid crisis is far from over,” said Elaine Pozycki, Chair of PDFNJ. “Parents need to be aware of the current threats and trends in order to protect their children and families.

Pozycki explained the importance that parents understand the direct link between prescribed opioids for procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction and opioid dependency and addiction. “Many times, it is through a prescription for a highly addictive opioid that children and teens are first introduced to an opioid.”

Pozycki also cautioned parents to be aware of the evolving nature of this deadly epidemic, including the emergence of Fentanyl and Xylazine, as well as how social media has made it easier for young people to purchase substances from online dealers. A recent Rolling Stone magazine article, "Inside Snapchat's Teen Opioid Crisis" by Paul Solotaroff  highlights the instant and easy accessibility of deadly fentanyl-laced pills to teenagers on social media platforms.

“Parents need to stay vigilant and proactive – aware of the risks of prescribed opioids, the signs and symptoms of dependency and addiction, and the prevalence of counterfeit and fentanyl-laced opioids accessible on social media,” Pozycki said. “Having an open conversation with your children about the dangers of opioids and substance use can save their lives.”

• PDFNJ offers parent education workshops, which are available for parents to view or request for their school or community through the PDFNJ Child Break program. To learn more about the program, visit www.drugfreenj.org/child-break/15-minute-child-break/.
• On July 25, the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Learning Series will focus on Empowering Parents in Prevention & Recovery. To participate in the webinar, visit https://knockoutday.drugfreenj.org/events.
• PDFNJ’s “Eat. Hug. Love.” public service campaign encourages parents to spend time with their children to help them make healthy decisions regarding substances and mental health.

For additional information about the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and its initiatives, visit drugfreenj.org.

###

Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 226 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.