Speaker: John Richardson
The context behind OD2A, (Overdose Data To Action), begins with the all time high of drug abuse in AL. There was an observed exponential growth in the OD levels for young adults. This organization formed with sponsorship from President Donald Trump in the late 2010s. John Richardson shares his personal experience as a Long Term Recovery Addict. He reminisced on his struggle with drugs and alcohol starting from his early teenage years. Richardson was exposed to alcohol through his family, which had been an overlooked asset. Richardson first tried fantasy. Soon after, he routinely would abuse marijuana. This factor eventually cost him his college scholarship after failing to complete his tasks. Richardson explores consequences of drug abuse that cost him his family relationships, education, reputation, and marital relations. After finding himself at a low, he began to turn around his life through rehabilitation and recovery.
Indulgence regarding fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic drug commonly prescribed for pain easement, often prescribed to terminally ill patients. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is often associated with cancer patients of a high stage. Illicit fentanyl originates in underground drug labs. It is an opioid that is 100x stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is extremely dangerous and addictive, however the opioids lethalness out rules the relevance of these factors, as the first time encounter with fentanyl is likely to be the last. The distribution of the drug is not often for abuse but rather for ill intent violent actions.
It is reported that once the narcotics are consumed, the addictive factor sets in very quickly. The strength of the fanatics and economical price expands its sphere of influence in communities. Individuals with exposure to cocaine and marijuana are extremely more prone to the narcotic and its symptoms.
Xylazine
Xylazine is termed as a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use. Xylazine has begun to be used as an additive to Fentanyl. The symptoms of xylazine vary from death, low heart rate, decreased breathing, and unresponsiveness. Xylazines crystal-clear physical attributes makes it easier to be combined with other common street drugs.
If one recognizes a victim of xylazine overdose, they correct response would to draw medical attention, administer naloxone if opioid overdose symptoms are observed. The victim may appear sedated if breathing has stabilized.
Reflection
Richardson portrayed the significance as well as properly educating my group regarding drug abuse and awareness. With personal indulgence from his part, it became an eye opening experience. The reality and impact drug abuse has on the majority of the youth and my generation is a topic that should be educated on more frequently.
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