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Opioids are commonly prescribed for an injured ankle, a pulled muscle, or having wisdom teeth removed. Initially, they feel safe and are taken to alleviate pain and get back to normal life.
Yet, this is deceptive.
These medicines do more than ease pain; they affect how the brain functions, which can result in addiction. When addiction happens and the supply runs out, most teens seek alternative options, unaware that counterfeit pills commonly include fentanyl, an illicit synthetic opioid, and only a small amount can end a life.
This is exactly what happened to Stephen Mehrer, a two-time all-Ohio high school football player. After a bad shoulder injury, doctors gave him strong opioids to help with the pain. What started as medical care slowly turned into a harmful dependence.
Even though he tried to get help many times, the addiction continued to hold on tighter with each relapse. In 2017, when he was just 24 years old, Mehrer died from an overdose of fentanyl and other opioids.
His family lost a loving son, his teammates lost a brother, and his community mourned the loss of a life that had so much potential.
Pain doesn’t have to always lead to tragedy. There can be safer choices, such as over-the-counter drugs, physical therapy, rest, icing, and communicating with doctors who specialize in non-opioid treatment.
Communicating openly with parents, coaches, and physicians regarding these options can be the difference between recovery and having serious issues.
High school pressures abound – sports, homework, fitting in… The desire for instant relief may be great, but one moment of comfort isn’t worth losing your entire future.
One pill today can strip away all your tomorrows. But one conversation, one choice, and one moment of courage can save a life.
Let that life be yours.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
