Sometimes, when a child is in pain or recovering from injury or surgery, they may need prescription opioids. Discussing the situation thoroughly with the prescribing doctor – and sharing any family history of SUDs – is important. HealthyChildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides some helpful guidance for families at such times in its article: How to Manage Your Child’s Pain & Prescription Opioid Use: 4 Safety Tips. Read the entire article for a more detailed discussion of this important topic. Should opioids be described to your child, and your family has a history or substance use disorder, have an age-appropriate discussion about the medication and explain the family vulnerability to addiction. Help your child heal and remain safe when needing opioids for medical reasons.

Use the Right Remedies for Your Child’s Pain: Explore non-opioid options as appropriate: ice packs, heat, elevation, rest, and over-the-counter medications. Opioid medicine is utilized for cases of severe pain.

Have a Hands-On Approach to Prescription Opioids: Follow the instructions, play close attention when giving your child medication, talk to your child about the risks of becoming dependent upon opioids, keep track of how the prescription is used, and store the prescription in a locked location that is out of the reach of children/teens.

Have Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose: If someone in your home takes opioids for any reason, it’s a good idea to have naloxone, too. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose.

Get Rid of Unused Opioids Right Away: Follow safe disposal instructions, unused medications should not be thrown away without appropriate preparations nor flushed. Medications can be taken to your local police department or to appropriate depositories. 

Healthy Children.org Reminder: Opioids are prescribed to help control pain after a child has surgery or for other reasons. Most children who receive an opioid prescription do not develop an opioid use disorder or have an overdose. Taking precautions when handling prescription opioids can help keep your child and others safe.