It’s never too early to start talking to your kids about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. The earlier kids start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life. According to Dr. William Goldman, medical director of Akron Children’s Addiction Services Program, oftentimes substance use […]
Your most common questions about fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger than heroin. It plays a major role in fatal and non-fatal overdoses. You may be wondering how you can keep your family safe from fentanyl exposure and overdose. Dr. William Goldman, medical director of the Addiction Services Program at Akron Children’s Hospital, answers parents most common […]
Rainbow fentanyl: What parents should know
Dr. William Goldman, medical director of the Addiction Services Program at Akron Children’s, helps make sense of what parents are hearing about rainbow fentanyl. What is fentanyl? When we talk about the fentanyl, specifically with what we’re seeing in our communities, first, it’s not what we call medical grade. It hasn’t gone through the process […]
5 ways to support kids with substance use issues during the holidays
We know the holidays can bring great joy, but also stress. For teens and adolescents struggling with substance use disorders, extra stress during the holidays can cause them to use or relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes the importance of human interaction during this time of year and encourages relatives and friends to […]
How to talk with teens about pressures of drug and alcohol use
Talking with your teen about how to handle the pressures of drug and alcohol use isn’t always easy, but it is important. William Goldman, DO, medical director of the Addiction Services Program at Akron Children’s Hospital says it’s not about having one good conversation, rather it’s best to have frequent and on-going dialogue. “Adolescents are […]
Dare to address addiction: What parents need to know
By the time teens reach their senior year, nearly 70% of high schoolers will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug and more than 20% will have used a prescription drug inappropriately, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Adolescents are “biologically wired” to take risks, seek large rewards and carve […]