BONUS Episode: How Do I Talk With My Teen About Fentanyl?

BONUS Episode: How Do I Talk With My Teen About Fentanyl?

From Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens by Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

April 29, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how parents can effectively communicate with their teens about the dangers of fentanyl.

In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we're bringing back one of our most critical episodes — because every family needs this information. Illicit fentanyl has contaminated the drug landscape and is causing record deaths among young people. How should parents talk with their teens about this fast-moving crisis? What can we say to help keep our kids safe? Dr. Lisa Damour, who serves on the advisory board of Song for Charlie, and Reena Ninan are joined by Ed Ternan and Marcia Lee Taylor of Song for Charlie, the national nonprofit behind National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Ed, who tragically lost his 22-year-old son to a counterfeit prescription pill, and Marcia, former President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, cover the basics about fentanyl and offer concrete guidance on how to have effective conversations with teens about its dangers. If you've already heard this episode, share it with someone who hasn't. It could save a life. Be sure to check out The New Drug Talk resources available at their website: ⁠www.songforcharlie.org⁠ ________________ Today's sponsors: Donors Choose: Have your gift matched today at https://www.donorschoose.org/asklisa. Cash App…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Lisa Damour, Reena Ninan

Guests: Ed Ternan, Marcia Lee Taylor

Topics covered

  • fentanyl awareness
  • teen safety
  • drug education
  • parenting
  • mental health

Keywords

  • fentanyl
  • teen conversation
  • drug safety
  • parenting advice
  • youth education

Sponsors

Donors Choose, Cash App

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Song for Charlie, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

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