The Consequences Of Addiction In Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Introduction What is addiction and how does it affect one? Addiction is a serious epidemic that is hitting our country and particularly our city, Philadelphia, hard. It is more than just the addict who is affected by the disease, family and friends are also affected. Everyone is affected by addiction and there are many resources within our community that support everyone affected by addiction.

Addiction

Addiction is a disease of the brain. It causes uncontrollable urges that have the ability to affect ones behavior and thought process. This condition often manipulates one to abuse a substance leading to harmful outcomes and life changing events. The consequences often last long after the use of drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse causes changes

It takes no bias as it has hit every part of the city. The Mayor’s Task Force (2017) reports that “Approximately 80 percent of drug overdose deaths in Philadelphia involve opioids” and that “907 died [in Philadelphia] due to drug overdose in 2016-an increase from 702 in 2015 and three times the number of homicides” (p. 8). Although prescription opioid sales have gone down since 2012 there are still reports of prescription abuse. The use of synthetic opioid, Fentanyl, has also come into use. Which as reported by The Mayor’s Task Force ” By 2016, Fentanyl was found in nearly half of overdose deaths” (p. 7).

Who is Affected by Addiction

When it comes to addiction, there is some confusion as to who is affected. The addict is the one who is affected the most. There are others who also suffer, especially those who are closest to the addict. Extended family and friends suffer as well. The stress of dealing with an addict can bring down those who are just trying to help. Often going to extremes to try and stop them from the harm they are causing to themselves, but having no success. Others such as family are usually the ones who suffer the most, aside from the addict. They experience some, if not more, of the same loses as the addict does. Trying to help often causes lost work, additional cost in health care treatments, and health issues of their own that have been brought on from the stress of the