Singer Aaron Carter Dies At 34, Suspected Drug Overdose

When it comes to substance misuse, celebrities are no different than anyone else. Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate and despite all the fame and spotlight, many of those struggling with drugs or alcohol can’t see a way out.

Singer Struggles With Drug Addiction

Singer and teen pop star Aaron Carter died over the weekend in his home in Lancaster, CA. Authorities are still determining the cause of death but a drug overdose is suspected. He was found unresponsive in his bathtub. According to police, multiple cans of compressed air which is commonly used as inhalants for “huffing,” and prescription pills were found near Carter.  Aaron was the younger brother of Nick Carter who was a member of the popular 90’s boy band, “The Backstreet Boys.” Aaron Carter, who was born in Tampa, FL, started performing at the age of 9. That year, he toured with the Backstreet Boys as an opening act. He also opened shows for Britney Spears. He continued to write music and perform throughout his life.

Aaron Carter has openly talked about his struggles with mental illness including multiple personality disorder and depression along with drug addiction. He says he was prescribed Oxycontin a few years back for a jaw injury but continued to take the drug after his physical pain subsided. Carter also has discussed the ongoing trauma he has suffered after his sister died of a drug overdose in 2012. To get back on track and work toward a relationship with his 11-month-old son, Carter went to rehab for the fifth time in September 2022.

Backstreet Boy alum and older brother Nick Carter says:  “addiction and mental illness is the real villain here.”

Overdose and the Opioid Crisis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a drug overdose every five minutes in the United States. Recent CDC data shows the numbers have started to slightly decrease as more harm reduction strategies have been implemented. However, experts say there needs to be an even stronger targeted approach to these strategies to prevent overdose, including access to effective treatment and recovery services, Narcan training and education, along with significantly reducing the supply of fentanyl.

How to Get Narcan in Florida   

Having Narcan on hand and knowing how to administer it during an overdose can save lives. You can get Narcan without a prescription at some Florida pharmacies—such as CVS,  Walmart, or Walgreens. Other places to get Narcan in Florida include:

• IDEA Exchange, an organization in Miami that provides services including free naloxone to the community. They have both the main site and a mobile unit.
• I Save Florida, which offers an easy online naloxone finder, as well as training on how to use Narcan.

If you are struggling with addiction and looking for rehab near Tampa, River Oaks Treatment Center can help kickstart your recovery.