Narcotic Overdose Research Paper

The Physiological Effects and Reactive effects of a Narcotic Overdose Narcotic overdoses have become an ever-increasing public health emergency in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Narcotics, defined by the Miriam-Webster Dictionary as “a drug that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions,” has long been part of medical treatment and illegal usage. Overdose, was also defined by Miriam-Webster Dictionary as “a lethal or toxic amount of a drug” (Miriam-Webster 2017). An overdose is a common fatal symptom of illicit narcotics use. Respiratory depression and aspiration often leading to death, are two common medical effects or symptoms, caused by a narcotic overdose. A narcotics overdose creates lasting physiological effects within the abuser, but also has a rippling impact on the community. This epidemic has created panic with lawmakers
The negative health effects of an overdose such as respiratory depression and aspiration, are just the beginning. Other effects such as decreased brain function, psychological conditions, and death are unfortunately all too common. On the other hand, because of the epidemic caused by narcotics and their abusers subsequent overdoses, states such as Maryland are declaring a state of emergency to designate funds to support prevention, treatment, and enforcement of the issue. Medicines such as Narcan, the user friendly nasal spray version of Naloxone, is being provided to first responders, families of abusers, treatment centers, and businesses to help prevent fatal or serious complications caused by an overdose. As the problem continues to grow, so will the efforts of legislators and first responders in service of their