Drug Abuse in Pop Culture and Effect on the Youth

Within the past three months, two infamous rappers died of bodily complications due to illegal substance abuse.

Rapper Gustav “Lil Peep” Åhr died of a fentanyl overdose on November 15, 2017. His death was a major blow to the hip hop community— which mainly comprises of teenagers.

Shortly following, on January 19, 2018, rapper Derrick Coleman, better known as Fredo Santana died of kidney failure. The cause of his kidney failure was due to years of codeine and promethazine. Another devastating blow to the rap community.

Rappers have been known to promote and tell of their drug use and distribution— a trend that has become popular amongst the youth.

“In today’s world, it feels like if you aren’t taking drugs, you’re the one selling,” Hai-Mie Nguyen said.

Although the use of drugs has been steadily skyrocketing since the rising on people such as Lil  Wayne, many teens are now expressing concern about the consequences.

“I wouldn’t take anything that isn’t prescribed for me. I don’t want to die or get addicted,” Elmer Crosby said. “I don’t think the feeling drugs give is worth it in the end.”