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

In 2019, a staggering 4,777 overdose deaths were reported among young adults aged 15 to 24, with 3,391 of these attributed to heroin or other illegal opioids, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The rise in teenage overdose deaths has prompted experts to urgently seek parental involvement in combatting the opioid crisis.

Dr. Emily Carter, a relationship therapist, is sounding the alarm about the risks associated with social media in light of her son’s overdose. Her son, Jake, tragically connected with a drug dealer through Snapchat and ingested what he believed was Xanax or Percocet—potentially laced with fentanyl. He overdosed in his bedroom while isolating at home during the pandemic. “My heart is shattered, and I’m at a loss for how to carry on. I share this now to ensure that no other family has to endure this pain,” she expressed in an Instagram post.

Carter shared that Jake was an excellent student preparing for college, and despite their vigilance, the drugs were delivered directly to their home after a Snapchat interaction. What began as casual experimentation turned fatal.

The CDC reports that synthetic opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths, representing 72.9% of opioid-related fatalities. In 2019, opioids accounted for 49,860 deaths, comprising 70.6% of all overdose incidents. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is often prescribed for severe pain management. It is known by various street names including Dance Fever, Jackpot, and Murder 8.

Raising Awareness Through Social Media

Teenagers are increasingly using common names and emojis to communicate about drugs. Carter recently shared a graphic on her Instagram featuring popular drug terms alongside the emojis that teens use to reference them. Many followers were taken aback by the information.

“I had no idea about any of this! Thank you for turning your grief into a crucial message. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your son,” one follower commented. Others praised Carter for her efforts to raise awareness. “Emily Carter is addressing early intervention in a brilliant way by decoding dangerous transactions disguised as innocent emojis. I’ve read extensively and knew nothing of this. Spread the word. Save a life,” remarked another.

Her mission is to inform parents about the language their teens might be using and to prepare them for potential intervention situations. Being aware of these terms can empower parents to better support their children.

The Role of Social Media in Teen Lives

Every day, millions of teenagers engage with social media, following influencers, connecting with friends, and building their online presence. As their networks expand, so do the risks associated with social media. Carter aims to address this issue.

She has initiated a petition to urge social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok to allow third-party applications, such as Bark, to monitor and alert parents to harmful content in their children’s accounts. “For instance, if a child expresses suicidal thoughts online, a parent notified by a monitoring app can provide immediate support. Statistics show these alerts have saved countless lives,” she noted. However, for these apps to be effective, social media companies must grant permission. Currently, Carter’s petition has garnered over 33,000 signatures and continues to gain momentum.

The Importance of Parental Vigilance

The future of social media monitoring remains uncertain. Until such tools are approved, it is crucial for parents to vigilantly oversee their children’s online activities. The world can be a treacherous place for kids, and while trust is essential, it’s vital for parents to stay informed about their children’s online interactions. This may sometimes mean encroaching on their privacy.

There’s no rule against checking your kids’ texts. It’s perfectly acceptable to inquire about their conversations and to follow them on social media. This vigilance could be the difference between life and death. Never hesitate to ask questions. You might not be their favorite parent, but you will be the informed parent—exactly what they need.

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In summary, Dr. Emily Carter is passionately advocating for parental awareness regarding drug-related emojis and the dangers of social media following the tragic overdose of her son. She aims to inform parents about the slang and emojis their teens might use, encouraging vigilance to prevent future tragedies.