Celebrity blogger’s reported overdose prompts discussion about substance use and mental health

Plus, posts asked about drug exposure through breastfeeding.

A celebrity blogger’s hospitalization following live-streamed acts of self-harm and a reported overdose fueled questions online about whether people with mental health conditions are more likely to use illicit drugs. Meanwhile, articles about a Wisconsin baby’s 2023 death from methamphetamine exposure prompted questions about substance use and breastfeeding, and a North Carolina bill that would restrict the sale of certain hemp and kratom products revived debate about whether kratom is a safe pain management option.

In light of these conversations, communicators may highlight substance use and mental health treatment, share information about substance use and breastfeeding, and reiterate kratom’s risks.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

On August 4, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton live-streamed acts of self-harm on TikTok. He was later transported to a hospital and is receiving ongoing medical care. The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with one X post receiving approximately 23.3 million views as of August 18. While initial articles and social media posts focused on Hilton’s mental health, more recent articles reported that he had also overdosed before his hospitalization. The substance involved has not been publicly identified. Some social media users speculated that Hilton was using illicit opioids to manage mental health symptoms, while others asked if people with mental health conditions are more likely to use illicit drugs.

Recent articles reported that the parents of a Wisconsin baby are facing charges after the baby died from methamphetamine toxicity in 2023, with articles suggesting that the baby may have been exposed through breast milk. The case sparked outrage online, and some commenters expressed confusion about how drug exposure can happen through breastfeeding.

On August 4, the North Carolina House of Representatives delayed a vote on a bill that would ban hemp products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, prohibit the sale of any hemp or kratom products to anyone under 21, and ban the sale of xylazine for human consumption and 7-OH, a concentrated compound found in kratom. Before the delay, North Carolina’s governor shared a Facebook post calling the state’s THC market the “Wild West” and criticizing the bill for not adequately restricting kratom sales. Most commenters expressed support for age restrictions on purchasing THC products, but kratom drew more controversy. Some suggested that kratom should be banned, citing dangerous side effects and the potential for dependence. Others advocated for kratom access, saying it helped them manage chronic pain.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

Substance use and mental health conversations frequently intersect online. When messaging about both topics, communicators may explain that substance use disorder and mental health conditions may co-occur and that treatment options can support people struggling with a range of concerns. Messaging may direct people to SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which helps people find both SUD and mental health treatment nearby. Communicators may also want to recirculate information about tools like naloxone, a medication that anyone can use to reverse an opioid overdose, and drug test strips, which help people make more informed decisions about drug use. Highlighting where people can access these tools nearby is recommended.

Recent discussions about drug exposure through breastfeeding may prompt new questions about both prescription medications and illicit or recreational drugs. Messaging may encourage anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding to talk with a health care provider about medications and other substances they use. Communicators may also explain how pregnant and postpartum individuals can access tailored SUD treatment resources.

Legislation to restrict kratom consistently sparks questions about the substance’s risk online. Communicators may reiterate that kratom is not approved by the FDA to treat any medical or mental health condition and that it is linked to serious health risks like confusion, seizures, liver damage, and dependence. Messaging may stress that people seeking treatment for chronic pain and other conditions should talk to a health care provider about safe, approved treatment options.