After the Tragic Loss of Her Son, This Therapist Is Raising Awareness About Drug-Related Emojis

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In 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported a staggering 4,777 overdose deaths among young adults aged 15 to 24, with 3,391 of these attributed to heroin or other illicit opioids. The alarming rise in teenage overdose deaths has prompted experts to call for increased parental involvement in combating the opioid crisis.

Dr. Lisa Carter, a relationship therapist, is sharing her insights with parents about the risks associated with social media, following the tragic overdose of her son, Jake. Jake connected with a drug dealer on Snapchat and was sold counterfeit Xanax or Percocet laced with fentanyl. He overdosed in his room during the pandemic. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared, “My heart is shattered, and I’m struggling to breathe. I share this to prevent another family from experiencing this pain.”

Carter emphasized that Jake was an honor student preparing for college. Despite their efforts to keep a close watch on him, the drugs were delivered to their home after a Snapchat interaction. What started as a harmless experiment ended in tragedy.

The CDC has identified synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, as the leading cause of overdose deaths. Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is often used for patients with severe pain who may be tolerant to other opioids. This powerful substance is known by various names, including Dance Fever, Goodfellas, and Jackpot.

Many teenagers use these slang terms and emojis to discuss drugs among themselves. Carter has shared a graphic on Instagram showcasing common drug names alongside the emojis teens are using, which surprised many of her followers. “I had no idea about this! Thank you for turning your grief into this important message,” one commenter expressed, while another noted the importance of identifying these dangerous communications to potentially save lives.

Carter’s mission is to equip parents with the knowledge of the language their teens may use, helping them to be prepared for any necessary intervention. With millions of teenagers active on social media, the risks associated with these platforms are ever-present. As teens build their online networks, they may unknowingly expose themselves to serious dangers.

To address this issue, Carter has launched a petition urging social media giants like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok to allow third-party apps, such as Bark, to monitor dangerous content in children’s accounts. She believes that these monitoring tools could facilitate life-saving interventions, particularly if parents are alerted to concerning posts or interactions. With over 33,000 signatures on her petition, the movement continues to grow.

Until such monitoring tools are implemented, it falls to parents to actively oversee their children’s online activities. The internet can be a perilous place for kids, and while trust is essential, being aware of their digital interactions is equally important. Parents should feel empowered to check their kids’ texts, inquire about their conversations, and follow them on social media. This vigilance could make a significant difference in ensuring their safety.

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