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Learn to Cope is a support organization that offers education,

resources, peer support and hope for parents

and family members coping with a loved one addicted

to opiates or other drugs. Learn to Cope currently has 20

chapters across Massachusetts and one in Warwick Rhode

Island and Ft Lauderdale Florida.

Many people are shocked to discover that a loved one is addicted to opiates or other drugs. Learn the signs so you can connect the dots.

Physical Signs

• Flu-like symptoms including diarrhea, cramping, vomiting

• Itchy skin, picking at skin

• Flushed skin

• Sweating

• Watery eyes

• Runny nose

• Dark circles under eyes

• Tiny pupils

• Weight loss

• Slurred speech

• Drowsiness and nodding off

Changes in Behavior

• Loss of interest in personal appearance and hygiene

• Secretive phone calls or text messages

• Mood swings – depression alternating with euphoria

• Talking loudly

• Angry outbursts

• Staying up all night and sleeping all day

• Family members are missing valuables and money

• Lack of interest in doing favorite activities and being around family and friends

• Lack of ambition in school or for employment

Common objects that may be a sign of opiate use:

Dollar Bill

Pills

Small Bag

Razor Blade

Empty Pen Tube

Needle Cap

Foil

Bottle Cap

Q-tip sticks

Cigarette Filters

Spoon

Syringe

Belt, Shoelace

Connect the dots:

• Physical signs

• Changes in behavior

• Common objects

If your loved one is using, make a plan.

• Contact a trusted professional for advice about where to seek treatment in your area.

• Research treatment options.

• Insist on a home drug test.

Learn to Cope is a pilot site for Nasal Naloxone (Narcan) and provides training to families at all Massachusetts chapters. We teach the signs and symptoms of Overdose and how to rescue a loved one using Narcan. Each person who takes the training goes home with a kit. To date we have had over 60 documented rescues.

Nasal Naloxone

How to talk to your adolescent:

• Do not discuss an abuse problem while your child is high. 

• Start by expressing your love and saying how worried you are.

• Describe signs that have led you to suspect drug use.

• Explain that use of any drug can have serious consequences.

• Listen. Ask about their dreams in life.

• Guide your child to consider the consequences of drug abuse on their goals. 

How to talk to your adolescent:

• Explain that you want to meet with a doctor or drug counselor to get an assessment.

• If your child refuses to meet with a professional, schedule an assessment anyway.

• Supervise your child more closely. Take away the four Cs – cash, cars, cell phones and computers.

• If your child denies using despite the evidence, insist on a drug test. 

How to talk to your adolescent:

Insist on a home drug test.

• The kit tests for 12 drugs, including:

• Opiates such as:heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone

• Benzodiazepines

• Marijuana (THC) and synthetic marijuana

• Amphetamines, and methamphetamines

What to do if your loved one is using:

If your loved one is using, get help.

• Learn as much as you can about the disease of addiction.

• Find treatment – call the substance abuse helpline 1-800-327-5050.

• Be ready in case of an overdose – get trained in rescue breathing and administering Narcan.

• Get support for yourself and your family. Visit our website at www.learn2cope.org