Losing a Loved One to a Drug Overdose
Losing any family member is a heartbreaking experience, but the death of a child to a drug overdose brings a unique kind of pain. Knowing that social media played a role in providing access to those drugs can make the loss even more unbearable.
A New Frontier for Getting Drugs: Social Media
Social media platforms have, unfortunately, become a marketplace for illicit substances. The ease with which users can connect, coupled with the anonymity these platforms can provide, facilitates the sale and purchase of drugs. This accessibility poses a significant challenge to prevention and intervention efforts, as drugs are often readily available to individuals seeking them.
Adding to the accessibility concern is the alarming reality that drugs obtained through social media are frequently adulterated with potent substances, most notably fentanyl. This significantly increases the risk of overdose and other adverse health consequences for the user.
Social Media’s Dangerous Reach: One Mother’s Story of Loss
The reality of online drug availability struck home in the most heartbreaking way for Dr. Laura Berman, the host of the Language of Love podcast. Her 16-year-old son, Samuel, succumbed to a fatal drug overdose after taking Xanax laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl. The transaction occurred through Snapchat, allowing him to communicate with a drug dealer and arrange for delivery with tragic ease.
This ease of acquisition stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming grief expressed by Dr. Berman: ‘My heart is completely shattered, and I am not sure how to keep breathing.’ The loss of Samuel, a bright, straight-A student, serves as a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of this crisis.
Dr. Berman, as well as so many other parents, have lost children or other family members to drug overdoses. Raising awareness, providing information, and open communication between parents and children may help to decrease these overdose deaths.
Fentanyl and Xanax
Losing a loved one to an overdose is devastating. And overdoses to fentanyl is more common than not. There has been an increase in overdose deaths associated with the potent substance.
Xanax, a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat anxiety, is a potent medication with a high potential for dependence that is one of the most widely diverted and misused prescription medications. While effective for short-term relief, its use is generally recommended to be limited to a few weeks, often no more than six, under close medical supervision. The misuse of Xanax, often driven by the desire for its euphoric effects, poses a significant risk.
In San Diego County, for instance, there were 152 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in 2019. However, in the first six months of 2020, there were likely 203 fentanyl-related deaths. Of those, 84 are awaiting confirmation and 119 have been confirmed.
Get the Help You Need to Live the Life You Deserve
At American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide leader in addiction treatment, we understand the needs of those battling a substance use disorder to drugs like fentanyl or Xanax. Our physicians and professional staff have used compassionate evidence-based care to help thousands of people find recovery from addiction. If you or a loved one is battling a substance use disorder or have relapsed, please reach out to us at for help.
If you are struggling with an addiction to fentanyl or Xanax, you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you achieve long-term sobriety and to live a healthy and productive life. Recovery is possible, so don’t wait. Reach out to us today to begin your recovery journey.
