Teaching kids about addiction and the opioid epidemic

If there is one thing we all know, it is that children are resilient, aware and often impacted by the actions and environments that surround them.

And as America is still in the grips of the opioid epidemic, it was only a matter of time before a traditional and respected outlet like Sesame Street took the lead on making sure children could relate.

According to Sesame Workshop, 5.7 million children under the age of 11 in the U.S. live with a parent battling a substance abuse disorder. That's one in eight kids and doesn't include children who have been separated from a parent due to circumstances like divorce, incarceration or death related to their addiction. 

"Addiction is often seen as a 'grown-up' issue, but it impacts children in ways that aren't always visible," said Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop. "Having a parent battling addiction can be one of the most isolating and stressful situations young children and their families face."

"'Sesame Street' has always been a source of comfort to children during the toughest of times, and our new resources are designed to break down the stigma of parental addiction and help families build hope for the future." CBS NEWS, October 10

Are you a journalist covering the opioid epidemic or addiction issues in America?  If so, let our expert help with your questions and coverage.

There are a lot of questions and that’s where we can help.

Dr. Marc Sweeney is the Founding Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Cedarville University and is an expert in the fields of drug abuse, prescription drug abuse and Opioid addiction. Marc is available to speak with media regarding this growing issue. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.