October 21, 2025

Mother Advocates for Drug Safety After Son’s Overdose

News Summary

Tracy Carathanasis, mother of Drew Carathanasis who lost his life to an overdose, is raising awareness about prescription medication misuse. She joins local officials at a press conference promoting drug take-back efforts, educating the community on the importance of proper medication disposal to prevent future tragedies. Drew’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with prescription drugs, emphasizing the need for open conversations between parents and children regarding drug safety.

Brandon, Florida – The mother of Drew Carathanasis, a young man who tragically lost his life to an overdose in 2015, is stepping forward in a poignant effort to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription medication misuse. Tracy Carathanasis will be joining local officials and community organizations at a press conference on Friday, October 24, to promote drug take-back efforts in conjunction with National DEA Drug Take Back Day, occurring on October 25.

Drew Carathanasis was an 18-year-old high school senior, a talented athlete, and an honor roll student known for his bright personality. He began playing hockey at the young age of five and was loved for his sweet, goofy demeanor. However, like many teens, he struggled with addiction, which started with prescription pills. Despite making admirable efforts towards recovery, including studying for his SATs in rehab, Drew succumbed to his struggles when he overdosed on Wellbutrin, a medication that had been prescribed to him, on November 12, 2015.

Almost a decade after his death, Tracy Carathanasis is determined to share Drew’s story, emphasizing the need for families to understand the risks associated with prescription medications. Her involvement in the press conference aims to educate the community on the importance of properly disposing of unused medications to prevent similar tragedies.

The event, held at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, will feature a range of speakers, including representatives from local law enforcement, health services, and anti-drug organizations. Through these collaborative discussions, the initiative intends to enhance community awareness of drug take-back programs, where individuals can safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

Statistics from the CDC reveal a sobering picture of the current overdose epidemic, with over 109,000 people in the U.S. dying from drug overdoses in 2023. Prescription medications have played a significant role in these tragic figures, underscoring the necessity of events like the upcoming press conference.

In her advocacy, Tracy encourages parents to educate themselves about drugs and remain engaged in their children’s lives, fostering open conversations about their experiences and struggles. She reflects on Drew’s battle with addiction, which he fought diligently, but feels he was often ensnared in the grips of depression. Tracy believes that in his quest to feel “normal,” Drew may have turned once again to Wellbutrin.

Dr. Anthony Furiato, an ER physician at Brandon Hospital, emphasizes that even a single pill can be fatal, making awareness and preventive actions imperative. Community events like Crush the Crisis not only aim to inform but can also save lives by promoting the safe disposal of medications.

Tracy’s heartfelt mission is not just to honor her son’s memory but to transform her personal loss into a message of prevention that echoes through the community. By sharing Drew’s journey, she hopes to resonate with other families, inspiring them to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children from the devastating consequences of drug misuse. In doing so, she aspires to alleviate the ongoing pain she endures as a result of her son’s untimely death.

As the press conference approaches, Tracy Carathanasis stands ready to mobilize the community towards greater vigilance regarding prescription drugs, highlighting the importance of resources available for educating families and promoting drug safety.

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