Strengthen response to accelerated overdose deaths
The recent death of 16-yearold Southern California resident Sam Berman to an accidental drug overdose has garnered more attention than most teen tragedies.
Sam’s mother, Laura Berman, is a nationally known author and relationship expert who has appeared on a variety of talk shows, news and lifestyle programs as well as having her own show and podcast.
She used her high-profile position in the media to warn all parents about the dangers of social media.
Sam obtained drugs via Snapchat, an easily accessible online social medium that dealers have used to sell drugs under the radar. He died of a fatal dose of fentanyl-laced Xanax that was delivered to his family’s home.
There is a good reason why Marin County should pay close attention to this death. Approximately
75% of overdose deaths here are accidental. Synthetic opioids, such as the illegally used fentanyl that killed Sam, are driving a steep increase in overdose deaths nationwide.
Sam was the son of a public figure and probably grew up with a comfortable lifestyle, not unlike many kids in Marin. It’s important to note, however, that drugrelated deaths do not discriminate by wealth, lifestyle, geography, race or by any other factor.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the pressures of daily life for those already suffering from substance use disorders. In the months leading up to May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths over a 12-month period was recorded in the U.S.
In Marin, these facts appear heightened in the past year. Incidents like the one experienced by the Berman family are highlighted to raise awareness of a growing issue that grips an entire community.
Marin mothers such as Tori Kropp, Marion Kregeloh, Michelle Leopold and Susan Kim have lost young sons to drugs, sometimes laced with fentanyl. These mothers have joined with other community organizations to advocate for better prevention efforts and protective policies.
Measures can be taken to prevent such losses — ones that Marin families and RxSafe urge the community to implement.
RxSafe Marin is a broadbased community coalition dedicated to reducing harm from prescription drug abuse and saving lives. Awareness about this topic truly begins with sharing our stories to destigmatize the continuing epidemic.
During the pandemic, RxSafe Marin is asking us all to recognize how the level of stress among our friends and neighbors has been amplified during COVID-19. Each of us can practice empathy toward youth who are navigating a sense of identity and self amid this pandemic, as well as recognizing the additional pressure placed on parents and caregivers who are maneuvering families through unprecedented times.
Being mindful of self-care and intentional conversations, paired with safe practices like proper prescription disposal and locked storage, serve as preventative measures against drug misuse. Additionally, spending more time with family has broad therapeutic effects on overall family mental health and well-being.
RxSafe Marin offers resources for struggling individuals or families at RxSafeMarin.org/Resources and offers education and training for use of Naloxone, an FDA approved medication that is used to reverse the effects of overdoses from opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine. Other local organizations address prevention and intervention such as the Marin Prevention Network, Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, the Spahr Center, Bay Area Community Resource and Huckleberry Youth Programs.
The county also has a 24-hour crisis text Line at 741741 that offers trained guidance in crisis situations.
Together, we can strengthen Marin’s response to the accelerated overdose deaths during the pandemic and beyond and address the community conditions that put our youths at risk.
In the months leading up to May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths over a 12-month period was recorded in the U.S.