Note from the Editor: This article addresses the topics of suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, support is available. You can reach out by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. This article mentions specific methods of suicide to raise awareness of their risks. We consulted with experts, families, and researchers before naming the substance.

Bruce Brown initially mistook it for a sports supplement.

In late 2022, a typical UPS delivery brought a yellowish-white powder to his home in Colorado, and as his 17-year-old son Bennett was away for the night, Brown texted him to check on what it was. He received no reply.

It soon became clear that the substance was not a harmless supplement; it was sodium nitrite—a dangerous chemical that Bennett had ordered with the intention of ending his life. The following day, after using it, Bennett sought medical help, but tragically, he passed away on the way to the hospital.

“It arrived within two days, and the cost was around $13,” Brown shares. “That amount cost my son his life.”

The low cost, quick shipping, and discreet packaging made it painfully clear to Brown how easily accessible this product was. Now, he is determined to change that.

Consumed by his sorrow, Brown took a stand and supported legislation that restricts the sale of this chemical in high concentrations within Colorado. The bill passed with minimal resistance and came into effect in July.

Now, Brown is promoting the Youth Poisoning Protection Act, which aims to prohibit the nationwide sale of high-concentration sodium nitrite. He hopes this will prevent other families from experiencing the overwhelming loss he endures daily. The bill gained approval from the U.S. House of Representatives in May and is now awaiting discussion in the Senate.

“Losing a child is the worst experience imaginable,” Brown reflects. “The sadness is profound and unending. Not a moment goes by that I don’t think of Bennett. He was a wonderful kid, full of humor and athleticism when he was well. He was loved by many. Ironically, he wouldn’t have hurt anyone else, yet he chose to take his own life.”

Parents of Teens Who Died by Suicide Are Advocating for Retail Regulation

Brown notes that his son’s mental health deteriorated during the pandemic.

Without in-person school experiences, Bennett became increasingly isolated from friends. Additionally, he faced challenges related to long COVID, causing serious issues with his lungs. This breathing difficulty often disrupted his sleep and kept him from leaving home. He could no longer participate in activities that once brought him joy, leading to feelings of despair.

Compounding these struggles, Bennett suffered a significant concussion. A study from 2018 found a link between concussions and elevated suicide risk.

“One of the signs of a concussion can be suicidal thoughts. I was unaware of this; no one informed me,” Brown shares. “I believe this worsened his existing sadness.”

Like many teenagers, Bennett spent significant amounts of time online. After his death, Brown discovered that Bennett frequented a forum advocating for suicide and discussing various methods.

Brown believes it was on this forum that his son learned about sodium nitrite.

This chemical, commonly used as a meat preservative, can prove fatal in high doses. Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a rise in sodium nitrite-related suicides, partially due to such online forums where it is frequently mentioned. A January study also highlighted that sodium nitrite self-poisoning is becoming a rising trend among younger individuals.

Despite its risks, sodium nitrite continues to be sold in large quantities by major retailers, and advocates are calling for tighter regulations. In Washington, parents of two teenagers who died after using sodium nitrite have sued Amazon, claiming their children bought the substance through the site, but the lawsuit was dismissed in June. In October 2022, Amazon implemented a policy to limit sales of high-concentration sodium nitrite.

According to Tia Dole, the chief officer of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at Vibrant Emotional Health, it is crucial for parents to stay informed about their children’s online activities. Monitoring should extend beyond browsing history to include monitoring purchases.

“Kids often know more about online activities than their parents do, but being aware of what’s being purchased is vital because most kids lack access to cash,” Dole explains. “Check your credit card statements to see what has been spent.”

Limiting Access to Suicide Methods Can Help Save Lives

Experts in suicide prevention assert that limiting access to methods of suicide is not the only measure needed to avert suicides but is a vital and essential step.

“Controlling access to lethal means significantly impacts suicide prevention,” says Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “If you’re concerned about your child or a family member, one of the most effective actions you can take is to secure all potentially lethal items. This includes firearms and toxic substances. Parents should focus on educating themselves thoroughly on the subject.”

Restricting access to means may also provide someone contemplating suicide additional time to reconsider their choice and potentially change their mind, according to Brown.

Bennett, shortly after ingesting sodium nitrite, contacted a relative and expressed the urgent need to go to a hospital. Paramedics arrived, but sadly, it was too late. He died en route.

“My son did not wish to die,” Brown explains. “Following his intake of the poison, he sought help from a family member. This behavior is quite common among individuals who take their own lives. It’s often not a premeditated decision but rather a spontaneous one. Therefore, if we implement means restriction to disrupt that mental process leading individuals to despair, we can prevent many tragedies. That is our objective.”

Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts, reach out to the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 at any hour or chat online.

Crisis Text Line offers confidential support for those in crisis 24/7 via text message. Text “HOME” to 741741.