Important information for families regarding opioid-related drug overdoses and deaths (Southwood Secondary School)

June 29th, 2017

This information is shared in cooperation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Parenting your child/children is the most important job you will ever experience. As parents and caregivers, it is important to be aware of the risks of drugs, including overdose.

Ontario and Waterloo Region have seen a rise in opioid-related deaths in recent years. There are many factors contributing to the rise of overdoses in our community, one being the presence of a drug called fentanyl. According to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, the number of drug-related overdose and deaths in Ontario is increasing. Local data shows that the number of overdose deaths in Waterloo Region doubled between 2009 and 2015 and continues to rise.

On June 27, 2017, Waterloo Regional Police Services reported that there were 35 suspected overdose related deaths in Waterloo Region since the start of the year, that’s nearly as many deaths as the entire 2015 year.

Being a parent/caregiver in the current climate of social media can be very difficult and stressful. As a parent/caregiver, we constantly worry about the safety of our children. Drugs are part of our society and the best way to decrease harms is to have accurate information. We are hoping this letter will allow you to start a conversation with your child about the current issues of drug use, including the risks of overdose, the use of prescription medications (from a pharmacy or made on the street) and the dangers of combining drugs with alcohol. This approach includes both preventing substance use and decreasing harms to our youth who are using drugs.

Overdose does not discriminate – it can happen to anyone’s family. It is important to equip ourselves with knowledge about drug use including the signs and symptoms of overdose and what to do in an overdose situation. Part of this includes reminding youth that a person who calls 911 in an overdose situation is protected from police charges of drug possession (Bill C-224/Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act).

As we approach the end of the school year we would like to remind parents/caregivers about the importance of this issue. Having supportive conversations is a good place to start. For more information and support please visit www.waterlooregiondrugstrategy.ca

We have included more detailed information below to help you start a conversation at home.

We thank you for taking the time to read this information letter.

There can be different reasons why kids use drugs, including:

Curiosity
Escape – usually from emotional pain
To relate to others better, peer pressure
Copying behaviour of older siblings
To get a rush
On a dare
Substance use happening at home
Low self-esteem
Deal with negative feelings

Some signs and symptoms of drug use among kids:

Problems at school – missing class and getting poor grades
Increased secrecy about possessions, friends, and activities
Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odours
Increased need for money or missing money
Drug related posts on social media
Less attention to personal care/hygiene
Increase in sleeping/naps. Nodding off at inappropriate times; or
Increase in hyperactivity outside of what is usual
Missing prescription drugs – especially narcotics and sedatives from home or grandparents’ home
Parents/caregivers may also find items in their teen’s room that indicate drug use. These include:
- Drug paraphernalia (such as bongs, pipes, small baggies, pills, powder, needles and rolling papers)
- Inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid or household products)
- Other unusual over the counter medicines such as cough medicine
- Rags and paper bags, which may be used as accessories with inhalants
Eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils

What can I do to support my child when it comes to substance use?

Strong, open relationships between parents or caregivers and children decrease the likelihood that teens will abuse drugs.
As a parent or caregiver, it is important to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol. Start early and keep the lines of communication open. Discuss a broad range of issues not limited to substance use with your child and invite their opinions even if they are different from your own.
Let your child know their safety comes first and they can depend on you to help them if they feel concerned about their own or a friend’s safety.
Set an example by being responsible about your own use of alcohol and other drugs.
Stay in the know. You don’t have to be an expert. Recognize that experimentation and mistakes happen. Help your child to reflect on a mistake but be sure to wait until you are both calm.
It is good to know the symptoms of drug use among teenagers. Keep in mind that some signs of drug use overlap with very common teenage behaviours (such as moodiness and withdrawal)

Where can I get more support and information?

Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy