By Dr. Rachel Docekal, MBA, Ed.D. – CEO of Hanley Foundation
As a parent, there are countless conversations we prepare ourselves to have with our children—about kindness, safety, relationships, and the choices that shape who they become. One of the most critical conversations we must have, and often the most overlooked, is about the danger of taking pills not prescribed for them. In this Parent Guide, learn how to talk to your kids about pills.
It’s no longer just about saying “no” to drugs. Today, one pill really can kill, and tragically, many kids don’t understand why.
Over the past decade, the rates of teen misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs have more than doubled, with more than 1 in 5 having misused opiates.
What’s Fueling the Increase?
In part, social media trends. Viral videos call upon users to create content, copying a specific task with its accompanying hashtag. Kids are inherently susceptible to engaging in risky behavior because their brains are not fully developed until their mid-twenties.
Part of normal development for a young person includes developing the skills needed to master impulsivity and not succumb to peer pressure.
Fifty-seven percent of TikTok users aged 13 to 17 use the app daily.
Dangerous trends such as “the Benadryl challenge,” where teenagers are dared to take large amounts of the over-the-counter medication diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl) to supposedly induce hallucinations, result in hospitalization, comas – and even death.
The Deadly Reality of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid—up to 50 times stronger than heroin—and it’s showing up in counterfeit pills that look exactly like prescription medications. These pills are often made to resemble familiar drugs like Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall, but they’re manufactured illegally and sold on social media and the streets. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.
Most young people who overdose never intended to use fentanyl. They thought they were taking something safe—or something their friends had tried. That’s why speaking up is so critical before curiosity turns into tragedy.
It’s important to remember that all medications not specifically prescribed are dangerous. Genuine opioids slow the heart rate and breathing and can be fatal. Blood pressure medication (beta-blockers) slows the heart and makes breathing hard. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and some antibiotics have been linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).
Start the Conversation Early—and Keep It Going
You don’t have to wait until your child is a teen to talk about the dangers of taking pills. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. Keep the conversation simple, age-appropriate, and honest:
- Let them know: Never take medicine that isn’t prescribed to you by a doctor.
- Explain that pills are not candy: Even if something looks harmless, it can be dangerous.
- Talk about peer pressure: Help them practice how to say no, and make sure they know they can always come to you without fear of judgment.
The goal isn’t to scare them—it’s to empower them with knowledge and open communication.
For Older Children and Teenagers
Help them think through situations where their peers begin misusing drugs or pressure them to join in. Talk through what they could say in the moment so they don’t have to think about how to say no. At Hanley, we suggest that if teens don’t feel like they can say no, they can say, “Maybe later” to buy time to get out of the situation.
Come up with an exit plan, such as texting a code word or calling and saying, “I have a migraine,” or another code excuse that really means, “Mom/dad, please come and get me right away.”
Take Action at Home: Steps to Keep Your Kids (and Their Friends) Safe
As parents and caregivers, we play a key role in prevention. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Lock up all medications. Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked cabinet or container, not in the bathroom or kitchen where they’re easily accessible.
- Dispose of unused meds. Don’t let old prescriptions linger. Participate in a local drug take-back event or use a drug disposal pouch available at many pharmacies.
- Talk to other parents. When your child visits friends’ homes, don’t be afraid to ask if medications are safely stored. It may feel awkward, but it could save a life.
- Monitor their online activity. Many counterfeit pills are sold via social media platforms. Stay engaged and curious about who your child is talking to and what apps they’re using.
- Keep Narcan on hand. Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s now available over the counter and can be a crucial tool in an emergency. Hanley Foundation provides Narcan free of charge throughout Florida. Find a Narcan cabinet near you.
You Are Their Best Line of Defense
As the CEO of Hanley Foundation—and more importantly, as a mom—I know these conversations aren’t always easy. But they are essential. Your voice, your presence, and your consistent message can make the difference between safety and risk. Talking to your child about pills and their dangers can save their life.
Most importantly, let your child know that you love them, and they can ask you for help – no matter what situation, day or night. And then stick to your word.
If you’re not sure how to start, we can help. Hanley Foundation offers prevention education programs for families, schools, and communities that equip you with the tools and confidence to talk to your kids about these critical issues.
Let’s protect the next generation by starting the conversation—today.
Hanley Foundation is devoted to reshaping the narrative of addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. Our comprehensive prevention education programs have positively impacted Florida’s communities, making us the largest prevention services provider. For over four decades, our treatment facility, Hanley Center, has offered private, confidential, and personalized addiction and mental health care, surrounded by a tranquil tropical setting that promotes healing and recovery.
