Conversations About Prescription Painkillers

June 29, 2022July 7, 2022 aneal Change, Drugs, Healthy Behaviors, Life, Opioids, Prescription Drugs, Substance Use, Trends

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”16px||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”93.4px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Opioids are a class of strong, pain-relieving drugs. The term “opioid” comes from the word opium, a substance derived from the poppy plant. Opioids are very addictive and can lead to illness, overdose, and death if misused. Even so, opioids do have a legitimate use in medicine when they are prescribed and used correctly.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/opium.jpg” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h6″ header_font_size=”12px” header_line_height=”0.2em” body_font=”Arial||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ body_font_size=”14px” body_line_height=”1.2em” width=”58.7%” custom_padding=”|||31px|false|false” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22body_text_color%22%93}”]The reddish-brown substance found in the pods of poppy plants (above) is used to make opium.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||-140px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]

Prescription opioids include medicines like OxyContin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, morphine, and others. These medicines are used to treat severe pain. For example, a doctor might give their patient an opioid painkiller to relieve severe pain after a surgery. Opioid painkillers might also be prescribed for long-term (a.k.a. “chronic”) pain, or for hospice patients.

Because prescription opioids are very powerful and addictive, doctors might not give them to a patient unless the potential benefits are greater than the risks. They may also try other treatments to relieve pain before prescribing opioids. Doctors and pharmacists use many strategies like these to limit the number of opioid pills in their community. The goal is to prevent patients from becoming addicted, and to reduce the likelihood that the pills could be misused by others.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Healthcare providers think about many different factors related to opioid prescriptions. They consider safety guidelines and suggestions from the CDC; policies at their hospital, clinic, or pharmacy; the needs of the individual patient; the different kinds of opioids; other, non-opioid treatments for pain; and the conditions in their local community. With all these considerations, it is easy for people to feel confused or misunderstood. That’s why clear and honest conversations with your doctor are so important.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Here are some ideas and tips for talking with your doctor.

- - Ask, “Is an opioid really the best option?” Opioids are not the only way to treat pain. Ask about non-opioid medications, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other ways to manage pain.
  - Know what medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medications, including how much you take and how often. Talk with your doctor about everything you take: over-the-counter medicine, prescriptions, supplements, and even non-medical drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Some medicines can have dangerous interactions with other drugs, and your doctor needs to know this information to protect your health.
  - Use your medicine correctly. Always follow the directions of your doctor and the medicine label. For new medications, make sure you understand how much you should take, how often, with food or not, and so on. Ask about possible side effects and interactions with other medicines. If you notice any problems, call your doctor!
  - Store medicine securely and dispose of leftover pills safely. Visit TakeThemBack.org for a list of secure medicine disposal sites in the Roanoke Valley.
  - Stay aware of how many pills you have. Missing pills are a sign that someone else might be misusing them.
  - Know the signs of an overdose: confusion, slurred speech, slow breathing, unusual heart beat, unconsciousness, blue lips or skin, and cold or clammy skin. Call 911 immediately if you see someone overdose.
    - - Virginia has a “Good Samaritan” Law intended to protect people from being arrested if they call 911 for a drug overdose. For more information, click here or ask an attorney.
  - Carry and know how to use naloxone. Naloxone (or brand name Narcan®) can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and potentially save someone’s life. If you take an opioid medicine, consider telling someone you trust so they can administer naloxone in case of an overdose. (You can’t use naloxone on yourself if you are unconscious.) Learn more from the Roanoke City Health Department website here: www.vdh.virginia.gov/roanoke/naloxone/
  - If you have concerns or questions about anything related to your health, ask your provider. They are here to help!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pills are Not Candy” image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pills_1000x550.png” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”Arial||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#e2e2e2″ custom_margin=”|||-16px|false|false” custom_padding=”|8px|8px|8px|false|true” animation=”off” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_radii_image=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” border_color_all_image=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all_image%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22border_color_all%22,%22box_shadow_color_image%22%93}”]Just like we should be careful about how we use and store prescription opioids, we should also be careful how we talk about prescription opioids. Sometimes, when someone is about to have surgery, people will reassure them that they will not feel much pain because of “special, magic pills” or “the really good stuff” (referring to opioids). While opioids are one effective way to manage pain after surgery, we need to remember that opioids can also cause addiction and life-threatening overdose if they are misused. Please be mindful of how you talk about opioids, especially around youth.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” global_module=”6021″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_4_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

Everything on this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment offered by physicians. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment, including any prescription medications.

If you or someone you know has a problem with opioid use or other substance use, find treatment options near you by visiting www.findtreatment.gov

If you are feeling suicidal or in emotional distress, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In emergencies, dial 911.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”5903″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]

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You can view translations of our RADARs by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:

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- Ukrainian / українською мовою: https://raysac.org/uk/raysac-radar/
- Urdu / اردو میں https://raysac.org/ur/raysac-radar/

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Take-Aways from the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit – by Tony Segovia, RAYSAC Board Vice Chair

May 9, 2022May 9, 2022 aneal Change, Drugs, Mental Health, Opioids, Prescription Drugs, Substance Use, Trends

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Pictured above, from left to right, are RAYSAC Board Vice Chair Tony Segovia, RAYSAC Board Member Sandra Pratt, Prevention Specialist Thomas Ragsdale, and Development & Evaluation Coordinator J. D. Carlin at the 2022 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Head-Shot-Tony-250×300-1.jpg” title_text=”Head-Shot-Tony-250×300-1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

RAYSAC board members and staff had the pleasure of attending the 2022 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The Summit is the largest annual conference where stakeholders come together annually to share best practices and strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Over the span of four days, there were numerous educational sessions to include: advocacy, clinical strategies, prevention, public safety, technology systems and strategies, trending topics, and treatment & recovery.

Since this is the first in-person event in two years, there was plenty of discussion from speakers on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of healthcare delivery overnight. When the pandemic first hit communities and businesses everything shut down and behavioral health practitioners were forced to expand in innovative ways to serve their most at-risk community members. Of course, telehealth was the main way of expanding services, but there were also barriers to accessing these platforms or a need for quick changes to governmental policies that prevented the use of telehealth.

With the pandemic we also saw the highest rates of overdose deaths and unfortunately this trend is continuing to rise. Per the CDC, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021. This was a new milestone which was exacerbated by the pandemic and deadly fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is particularly deadly because in addition to being mixed into drugs, there is a mass production of fake pills which are then marketed as legitimate prescription medications. This is where we heard from a DEA official who provided a historical depiction of the ever-evolving drug market and discussed their media campaign, One Pill Can Kill. This campaign urges people to not take any type of medication that is not prescribed to them.

More recently, we have been informed that Virginia will receive $530 million from a national settlement with opioid manufacturers. Presenters shared a model law that community leaders and policymakers can use to help advocate for the adoption of state laws to ensure that the litigation proceeds are used to prevent overdoses, treat substance use disorders, and support recovery. Officials from many states shared ways in which they plan to safeguard the money to ensure that it is used for prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts and not misused like funds that have been received from the Tobacco Settlement since the 90’s.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_6_font=”Times New Roman||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Lastly, we heard from numerous presenters on the need to increase prevention efforts, reduce stigma, and address racial and ethnic disparities. There was discussion on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a relationship with a variety of substance-related behaviors later in life as well as an earlier onset of substance use. This calls for greater need of prevention efforts through early intervention and through education of those who are caring adults of the youth. There was also great discussion on the need for addressing and reducing stigma through social awareness and intentional engagement.

The conference was informative, thought-provoking, and very moving as there were so many stories of individuals navigating recovery or that unfortunately lost their battle with addiction. The biggest take away I have is that even with all the evidenced-based or evidence-informed programs, strategies, or tools that we have at our disposal, they do us no good if there isn’t awareness of them or if they aren’t being effectively implemented. Feel free to check out their website for more information: www.rx-summit.com

Special thanks to Tony Segovia, Vice Chair of the RAYSAC Executive Board, for writing this RADAR.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/279315493_10158976030368231_7367603581020602119_n.jpg” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]The artwork pictured above was one of many paintings displayed at the Rx and Illicit Drugs Summit. Created by Operation UNITE youth participants from eastern Kentucky, these paintings symbolize confidence, hope, and resilience.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”12px||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_module=”5663″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]

This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu.

You can view a translation of this page by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:

- En español: https://raysac.org/es/2022/05/09/rx-and-illicit-drug-summit/
- به فارسی https://raysac.org/fa/2022/05/09/rx-and-illicit-drug-summit/
- Kwa Kiswahili: https://raysac.org/sw/2022/05/09/rx-and-illicit-drug-summit/
- українською мовою: https://raysac.org/uk/2022/05/09/rx-and-illicit-drug-summit/
- اردو میں https://raysac.org/ur/2022/05/09/rx-and-illicit-drug-summit/

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The SMART Way to Set a Personal Goal

January 24, 2022January 21, 2022 aneal Change, Healthy Behaviors, Life, Mental Health

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A new year has begun! Like with any new year, the start of 2022 comes with the expectation of new experiences, fun activities, potential challenges, and personal growth. Whatever your hopes and plans may be, it always helps to set clear goals for the things you want to accomplish. Goals help us stay focused on the things we want to accomplish.

We have all heard stories of goals that sounded great at first, but were quickly abandoned or forgotten. That usually happens because the goal is too big, too vague, or too unrealistic. So how can we make sure our personal goals will be helpful? We can use a reliable goal-setting framework, such as the SMART acronym. SMART is a set of characteristics that are used in a variety of settings to make effective goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely. Here are some details and examples of how to use SMART goals:

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Specific goals say exactly what you will accomplish and what steps you will take. Breaking a big task into smaller steps can make the process less intimidating and help you stay on track. For example, if you want your family to spend more quality time together, this is how you might make your goal specific: “Our family will have at least one meal together each week without distractions.”

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Measurable goals can be tracked with numbers. When you can answer questions like “How much…?” or “How often…?”, you can see whether you are improving or doing well at accomplishing your goal. You might measure a family mealtime goal by asking “Was everyone eating together for at least 30 minutes?” or “Did everyone eat at least half of the fruits and vegetables on their plate?”

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Achievable goals are things you can realistically complete with your current tools and skills. If you do not have the tools you need, you may need to ask for help or adjust your goals to your situation. For example, if your goal was to have dinner together as a family 5 nights per week but your child was involved in after school activities on 4 of those nights, you may need to reduce your goal or plan for breakfast together instead of dinner.

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Relevant goals are important to you personally, and they fit into broader priorities in your life. Even the most well-planned goals might fail, especially if they are not related to your values or other goals. Many of us have set big goals for ourselves because we feel that others expect us to… but then we forget about the goal within a month or two. You are more likely to succeed if the goal is important to YOU than if you only do it to impress other people. If your goal is to have a regular meal together with your family, it might be relevant to YOU because you want to build a trusting relationship with your kids and be involved in their lives.

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Timely goals should be accomplished within a specific timeframe. By setting a target date for your goals, you can create a sense of urgency and importance, and increase your likelihood of success. Timely goals can also help you plan ahead – Ask yourself, “What should be accomplished by the half-way mark?” Even for ongoing goals like family togetherness, a target date can serve as a milestone to evaluate your progress and renew your commitment to your goal. A timely goal could be as simple as, “Our family will eat at least one meal together every week until the school year ends and we go on our vacation.”

Setting clear goals using criteria like SMART can be a big help as you work towards the things you want to achieve. SMART goals may help you feel more confident, less likely to quit, and more accomplished when you look back on your progress. However, even the goals with the best planning sometimes fail. We might do everything right, and miss the goal for reasons beyond our control. Whenever things do not go as we hoped, resilience is crucial.

If you are having trouble reaching a personal goal, do not give up! Everyone makes mistakes. Remember to be kind to yourself, because progress takes time. Sometimes we all need help to do things that are important to us. So do not hesitate to pause, make adjustments to your plans if needed, and ask someone you trust for help or support.

If you need professional services for a mental health or substance use problem, help is available for you. Visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov to locate services near you.

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Emerging Adults – Supporting the Transition into Adulthood

February 9, 2018February 9, 2018 aneal Change, Healthy Behaviors, Life, Mental Health Leave a comment

There’s a newish term for the period between ages 18-29: emerging adulthood. During these years, emerging adults travel a path during which they want to pull away from the struggles of their teenage years and feel more responsible for themselves, but are also still closely tied to their parents and family. According to the American Psychological Association, emerging adulthood is defined as an:

Age of identity exploration.Young people are deciding who they are and what they want out of work, school and love.
Age of instability.The post-high school years are marked by repeated residence changes, as young people either go to college or live with friends or a romantic partner.
Age of self-focus.Free of the parent- and society-directed routine of school, young people try to decide what they want to do, where they want to go and who they want to be with – before those choices get limited by the constraints of marriage, children and a career.
Age of feeling in between.Many emerging adults say they are taking responsibility for themselves but still do not completely feel like an adult.
Age of possibilities.Hopefulness is unlimited. Most emerging adults believe they have good chances of living “better than their parents did,” and even if their parents divorced, they believe they’ll find a lifelong soul mate.

Many emerging adults have more choices than ever before. They may find themselves continually searching for the absolute “perfect fit” when it comes to career, marriage, or parenthood. Parents, though, may feel frustrated or impatient with the slow progress of their emerging adult’s development. Peers may want to help but might not know how, as they are trying to figure out their own path. This leads us to the important question:

How can parents and peers best support emerging adults?

Try not to offer advice about higher education, career directions or love interests. Let your emerging adult come to you when he or she is ready for advice. Allowing time and space for young adults to sort out their choices will be best for everyone involved.
Be curious about your emerging adult, but avoid interfering. When they share details about their upcoming choices and plans, help them to discover their wants and needs, not yours. It helps to ask open-ended questions (which can’t be answered with “Yes” or “No”). The goal is to open up space for them to explore their ideas and become more confident in their decisions.
Support them in finding organizational systems that work for them. This age brings bills, budgeting, increased responsibilities, a busier social calendar and additional belongings to keep straight. Good organizational systems will help your emerging adult feel more in control and capable of meeting the demands of this new life. Remember, what works for you may not work for them.
Help them learn how to talk to those in authority. Navigating the world as an adult can be difficult and anxiety-causing for emerging adults if they don’t know how speak to adults as peers/colleagues or respectfully advocate for themselves. Brainstorm and role play situations when this skill might be necessary.
Don’t rescue your emerging adult. Watching your emerging adult make mistakes is tough. He or she will make decisions you don’t agree with, but they legally have the right to do so and must be allowed to have the responsibility of accepting the consequences of their actions. Experience is often the best teacher.
Don’t belittle them when they make mistakes. No one responds well to criticism. Look for what your emerging adult loves, what they do well and what they aspire to do, and focus on that. Remind them that you believe in them and that they have the ability to accomplish their goals.

It is important to trust your emerging adult to create their own life. After all your hard work of building a solid foundation for them, it’s time to sit back and watch them fly. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it. It’s not giving up, it’s giving them control.

Parents, be there for your emerging adults. They still need you!