Los Angeles mayoral candidate fuels stigma about substance use among unhoused people

Social media users continued to express fear about accidentally touching fentanyl.

A Los Angeles mayoral candidate who claimed that unhoused people “want to do drugs” sparked mixed reactions online, with some commenters expressing stigmatizing attitudes toward people with substance use disorder. Meanwhile, social media users debated how fentanyl overdoses occur after first responders reported feeling sick after entering a home where fentanyl was found, and an Atlanta father alleged that his son died after using a fentanyl-laced THC vape.

In response, communicators may share information about reducing stigma toward people with SUD, explain how fentanyl overdoses happen, and correct myths about fentanyl-laced marijuana.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

In recent media appearances, Los Angeles mayoral candidate and reality television personality Spencer Pratt discussed the city’s homelessness crisis, alleging that it is driven primarily by SUD rather than a lack of affordable housing. Pratt suggested that many unhoused people “are choosing to be on the street because they want to do drugs” and are rejecting available housing and treatment options. His comments drew criticism online, with many commenters describing his message and language he used (including the term “drug addicts”) as stigmatizing. Others praised Pratt for “saying what others won’t” and claimed that people with SUD are dangerous or don’t deserve help.

On May 20, three people in a New Mexico household died after being exposed to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, though authorities haven’t shared how the exposure occurred. More than a dozen first responders were hospitalized after reporting symptoms after entering the home. Social media users expressed sympathy for the first responders and called for increased overdose prevention efforts in the state. Others revived debate about whether a fentanyl overdose can result from touching or accidentally inhaling the drug.

On May 12, a Georgia news channel aired an interview with an Atlanta father who called for restrictions on THC vapes and other marijuana products. His 19-year-old son died from a fentanyl overdose in 2025, and the father said he believes his son unknowingly consumed a fentanyl-laced THC vape. The interview generated discussion on social media in the following weeks. Many users expressed concern about fentanyl in THC vape cartridges, while others questioned how the son’s fentanyl exposure occurred.

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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.

Comments from public figures can contribute to stigma toward people with SUD. Communicators may address misconceptions by explaining that SUD is a chronic health condition, similar to diabetes or heart disease, that can affect anyone. Emphasizing that many factors can cause people to become unhoused is recommended. Messaging can include guidance on using person-first, nonstigmatizing language when discussing substance use. Communicators may also want to review materials to ensure they avoid stigmatizing language related to SUD.

False claims that fentanyl overdoses can occur through skin contact or by accidentally inhaling a small amount of the drug continue to reemerge, particularly in response to reports of first responders allegedly experiencing its effects. Messaging may emphasize that while fentanyl is a potent opioid involved in most U.S. overdose deaths, you cannot overdose on fentanyl by touching it or by breathing near it. Communicators may explain that fentanyl overdose occurs when the drug is consumed in sufficient amounts, causing breathing to slow or stop. They may also note that fentanyl can be unknowingly mixed into some illicit drugs, increasing overdose risk for people who use them.

Given concern about fentanyl-laced marijuana, messaging may clarify that many anecdotal reports of fentanyl-laced marijuana have been found to be false and that the risk of encountering fentanyl-contaminated marijuana is low. Additionally, messaging may clarify that vape devices do not reach temperatures that would allow fentanyl to be vaporized and produce its typical effects. Communicators may stress that purchasing marijuana from a licensed dispensary is the best way to ensure that it is not contaminated.