Last week, my husband and I dropped our son off at college. It was a moment we had been anticipating for years, a milestone that symbolized his transition into adulthood and independence. I realized that this was not just a rite of passage for him as a student, but also for us as parents, who now must trust that the values, skills, and lessons imparted over the years will serve our son well in this new and much less sheltered environment.
This experience was filled with pride, joy (albeit bittersweet) and deep reflection—a time to celebrate all the achievements that have culminated in this moment and project on all that lies ahead. As we helped him unpack his belongings and settle into his dorm room, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment; it was clear we had raised an intelligent, compassionate, and resilient young man, ready to take on the challenges of this new chapter in his life.
But along with those feelings there is an undercurrent of anxiety, especially in today’s world where the risks and challenges faced by our youth are more complex and pervasive than ever before. I am confident we have prepared him for those challenges, equipping him with the tools and knowledge he needs to navigate life safely and responsibly. However, as we stood in his dorm room, the frayed and marked up college packing list in hand, I realized there was one crucial item missing from this list—an item that could mean the difference between life and death in today’s world.
That item is naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In a time where the risk of unintentional overdose is at an all-time high, ensuring that our son—and every other student—has access to this life-saving tool has never felt more urgent. It’s easy to use, effective, and most importantly, it can save lives. But the challenge is ensuring that it’s available when and where it’s needed most—on college campuses, in residence halls, and in the hands of those who might find themselves in a position to save a life.
As a public health advocate and psychiatrist, we were fortunate that I had obtained naloxone safety kits and had trained our son on its use, but I was not so certain that others around him were as prepared. [Check out an earlier blog on this issue here.]
The Emotional Toll of Letting Go
Letting go is never easy, especially when it comes to our children. The college experience is a time of growth, exploration, self-discovery, and newfound freedom. And while that’s true, it’s also a time when young adults are exposed to new environments, new influences, and new temptations. The reality is that experimentation with drugs and alcohol is a common part of college life. But what’s different today, compared to when my husband and I were in college, is the increased danger posed by an adulterated drug supply.
The rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can be found laced in substances that students may believe to be relatively harmless, has contributed to a surge in unintentional overdoses. What might have once been considered low-risk experimentation can now have fatal consequences. It’s this reality that haunts me, given the field I am in and the work I do at Zero Overdose.
For many college students and way too many parents, the idea of overdosing may seem far-fetched—something that happens to other people, in other places. But the truth is that the risk is closer than most realize: unintentional drug overdose deaths among teens 15-19 remained elevated well into 2022, according to a NIDA analysis of CDC and Census data. A single pill, a single misjudged decision, can lead to tragedy, even for those who think they’re making safe choices. It’s a terrifying thought, one that no parent wants to dwell on, but it’s a reality that we must confront if we want to keep our children safe.
Overdose Safety Planning: A Necessity, Not an Option
Given these concerns, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to overdose prevention and safety planning. This is not about being alarmist or assuming the worst, but rather acknowledging the reality of the risks and taking steps to mitigate them. One of the most effective ways to do this is through overdose safety planning—a strategy that is at the core of the Zero Overdose initiative.
Overdose safety planning involves educating individuals about the risks of drug use, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and ensuring that life-saving measures are in place in the event of an emergency. As a parent, especially one who has dedicated much of my professional life to issues of health and safety, I understand the importance of being proactive. Overdose safety planning isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity.
When I think about the steps we’ve taken to prepare our son for college, it’s clear that the conversation about drug safety is just as important as discussions about academics, time management, and making new friends. We’ve talked to him about the realities of drug use, the risks of unintentional overdose, and the importance of looking out for his friends. We’ve made sure he knows how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone if he ever needs to. And while these conversations are difficult, they are essential.
The truth is, our children are going to be exposed to risks, no matter how much we try to protect them. But by equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe, we can give them a fighting chance. And that’s where colleges and universities come into play.
A Call to Action
As we drove away from campus, leaving our son to begin this exciting new chapter, I couldn’t shake the feeling that more needs to be done. Colleges and universities have a responsibility to protect their students, not just academically and socially, but also in terms of their health and safety. It’s time for these institutions to recognize the reality of the risks their students face and to take meaningful action.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by making naloxone readily available on campus. This includes providing naloxone kits in residence halls, common areas, and other key locations where students are likely to gather. But access to naloxone alone isn’t enough.
Comprehensive training is essential to ensure that students, Resident Advisors (RAs), and other staff members know how to use it effectively. This training should be mandatory, and it should be an integral part of the safety protocols on every college campus.
Colleges must also invest in education and awareness campaigns that inform students about the risk of unintentional overdose. These campaigns should be ongoing, and they should be designed to reach students where they are—through social media, campus events, and peer education programs.
As a parent, I urge every college and university to take these steps. The lives of our children depend on it. By embracing harm reduction strategies and making naloxone accessible, we can create safer environments for our students and prevent unnecessary tragedies.
As parents, it’s up to us to advocate for the safety of our children, and as institutions of higher learning, colleges and universities must do their part to provide the resources and support needed to keep their students safe.
To every parent reading this, I encourage you to have the tough conversations with your children, to educate them about the risks they may face, and to ensure they are prepared for whatever challenges come their way.
To the colleges and universities, I say this: the time to act is now. Implement harm reduction strategies, make naloxone available on your campuses, train your staff and students to use it along with overdose safety planning.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives.
Resources:
If you need help: SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748(HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.
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