My Cousin Died Of A Drug Overdose :: Here’s Why I Told My Kids The Whole Truth & Nothing But The Truth

My Cousin Died Of A Drug Overdose :: Here’s Why I Told My Kids The Whole Truth & Nothing But The Truth

About a month ago I got a call from my mom. I knew as soon as I answered that something was wrong. Over the past 6 months, my family has not been strangers to loss and bad news. In July my uncle died of cancer, and the day after that, we found out my aunt also had cancer. So I have become quite accustomed to receiving less than optimal news. But I still wasn’t prepared for what my mom was about to tell me. My cousin, at the young age of 29 had died from a drug overdose. 

“What?!” I said, as she slowly began to tell me the few details she knew. I was shocked. Sure, he partied here and there and was a free spirit, but drug addict he was not. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A month later, we still don’t know all the details but one thing is certain, he did not intend to die that night. Likely, he encountered a substance that was laced with fentanyl and was gone in an instant. 

Brutal Honesty 

When someone dies of a drug overdose, it leaves so many questions and a mixed bag of emotions. But the challenge I was not ready for was how to tell my children (who are currently 8 and 10). In the end, I chose brutal honesty. Before you criticize my parenting, know that I didn’t take this lightly. But the unfortunate truth is that we live in a time where anyone could fall victim to a fentanyl overdose. Stories of teenagers dying the first time they try recreational drugs occur all the time. And these are not drug addicts. These are good kids, with promising futures ahead of them. 

So I told my kids the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I did not spare any of the heart wrenching details, and then we had a long discussion about drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, and how one single decision can irreversibly change your life. My 10 year old (who is an old soul) seemed to understand completely. My 8 year old (who is blissfully naive to the dark side of life) couldn’t understand why a doctor would give someone medicine that would kill them. So then we had a much more detailed conversation about the difference between medication and illicit drugs. 

The Why Behind The Rules 

We discussed the importance of always taking care of your mind and body. I also told them that unfortunately, they cannot even trust substances offered to them by friends. There are no second chances, no do-overs in a situation like this. And at the end of the conversation, they seemed to understand the severity of experimenting with illicit substances. And to be honest, I think the conversation helped them realize that they can talk to me about ANYTHING.

Ultimately, that’s what I want. I want my kids to come to me with questions or desires about experimentation (should that arise). I want them to know that if they are at a party or out with friends and become uncomfortable at any point, they can call me. I will come get them, no questions asked. I want them to understand, WITHOUT A DOUBT, that I will always have their back, and I will always do my best to guide them.