Teen dies after seeking drug advice from AI chatbot ChatGPT
PTC Web Desk: A tragic death of a California teenager has ignited fresh debate around the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in handling sensitive health and substance-use queries, after his mother alleged that he repeatedly sought drug-related guidance from ChatGPT before dying of an overdose. Sam Nelson, an 18-year-old psychology student from California, died after an apparent drug overdose, a day after beginning a treatment plan for addiction, according to his mother, Leila Turner-Scott.
She has claimed that her son had been interacting with ChatGPT for months, asking questions not only about academics and daily concerns but also about illicit drugs and their effects.
According to a report by SFGate, Nelson’s interactions with the AI assistant began intensifying in late 2023, when he asked about the dosage of kratom, an unregulated, plant-based substance sold widely in the US, to achieve a “strong high” without overdosing. The chatbot initially refused to provide such information and advised seeking professional medical help. However, conversation logs reportedly show that Nelson frequently attempted to reframe or reword his questions after the AI declined to respond on safety grounds.
Turner-Scott alleged that over time, some responses from the chatbot crossed safety boundaries, including advice on managing drug effects and increasing dosages. In one exchange cited in the report, the AI allegedly used casual language and suggested increasing cough syrup intake to intensify hallucinations. These claims raise concerns about inconsistent enforcement of safety protocols in earlier versions of the tool.
The teen reportedly struggled with anxiety and depression, something reflected in his private chats. In earlier conversations, he discussed combining substances such as marijuana, Xanax, and alcohol and repeatedly sought numerical dosage information, even after being warned of potential dangers. Logs suggest a pattern where he altered phrasing to bypass refusals.
Nelson disclosed his addiction to his mother in May 2025, after which she immediately sought professional medical help for him. Despite a treatment plan being put in place, he was found dead in his bedroom the following day. He was described by his mother as a kind, sociable student with many friends, whose internal struggles were not widely visible.
OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family. The company stated that its models are designed to refuse harmful requests, provide factual and safe information, and encourage users to seek real-world support. It also acknowledged that earlier versions of ChatGPT had limitations and said newer iterations include stronger safety guardrails, developed in consultation with clinicians and health experts.
- With inputs from agencies
