October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. There is real good news to start with: U.S. overdose deaths fell about 14% in 2025, to the lowest level since 2019, according to CDC provisional data. That is not luck. It is Narcan in more pockets, honest conversations at more kitchen tables, and communities that refuse to give up.

But CDC still predicts about 67,800 overdose deaths in the 12 months ending March 2026. Every one of those numbers had a name. Ours was Brianna.

Here are five things your family can do before October ends.

1. Talk, don't lecture

Ask open questions: "What are kids at school saying about vapes?" or "Have you ever seen someone pass out at a party?" Then listen more than you talk. Teens tune out speeches; they remember conversations. (More tips in our post Parents and teens: How to talk about drugs without lectures.)

2. Put Narcan in your home

Naloxone (Narcan) reverses an opioid overdose. It is sold over the counter, and in Florida it is free at every county health department through the state's ISAVEFL program. Keep it where your first-aid kit lives. Thursday's post shows exactly how to get it and use it.

3. Learn the signs of an overdose

Very small pupils, blue or gray lips, slow or no breathing, gurgling or snoring sounds, and not waking up when you shout their name. If you see these: call 911 first, then give naloxone.

4. Know that "pills" may not be what they seem

Pills bought online, through social media or from a friend can be counterfeit and contain fentanyl. One pill can kill. The only safe pill is one from a pharmacy, prescribed to you.

5. Clean out the medicine cabinet

Leftover pain pills are a common first source for young people. Lock up what you need and dispose of what you don't. The DEA's fall Prescription Drug Take Back Day is usually the last Saturday of October; find a drop-off site at dea.gov/takebackday. Many Florida pharmacies also have year-round drop boxes.