The Philly Plague

The drug epidemic in Philadelphia has become a widespread and complex issue that requires immediate attention. Alongside the rising rates of addiction and overdose deaths, there is another phenomenon that has been plaguing the city: the “zombie apocalypse.” This terrifying reality has been documented by countless news outlets, with images and videos circulating on social media of people who appear to be “zombie-like” due to their drug use. In this article, we explore the gritty details of why drug use turns people into zombies and the steps that need to be taken to address this growing problem.

One of the key ways that drug use turns people into zombies is by causing them to lose control over their bodies. Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl have a profound impact on the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms that can mimic the characteristics of zombies. These symptoms include tremors, shaking, spasms, and even seizures. When combined with other factors such as malnutrition and sleep deprivation, drug users can quickly spiral into a state that is zombie-like.

Another factor that contributes to the “zombie apocalypse” is the impact of drug use on social behaviors. Drugs like PCP and methamphetamine have been linked to increased aggression, paranoia, and a loss of inhibition. Those who are under the influence of these drugs are more likely to react with violence, leading to dangerous situations that can endanger themselves and others around them. This behavior is what has fueled the term “zombie apocalypse,” as it appears that those who are under the influence have lost all sense of human decency and morality.

The effects of drug use on body and mind are not the only contributing factors to the “zombie apocalypse.” The larger context of addiction also plays a role. Those who struggle with addiction are often marginalized from mainstream society, leading to a sense of isolation and despair. This can cause drug users to feel as if they do not have anything to lose and fall into a pattern of hopelessness and self-destructiveness. With this mentality, drug users become numb to the world around them, leading to a state of apathy that gives them the appearance of being undead.

One of the most significant impacts of the “zombie apocalypse” is the way it affects those who are not directly involved with drugs. For people living in Philadelphia neighborhoods where drug use is rampant, the “zombie apocalypse” can be terrifying. Those who are under the influence are unpredictable and often aggressive, creating a sense of fear and danger that can be overwhelming. The prevalence of overdoses and drug-related death can also make it feel like the city is under siege. Despite this environment, it is essential to understand that those who are struggling with addiction are not the enemy. They are suffering from a disease that requires compassion, empathy, and healing.

To address the “zombie apocalypse” in Philadelphia, there needs to be a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there needs to be a focus on harm reduction policies and practices. This includes making resources like clean needle exchanges, overdose prevention kits, and safe injection sites more widely available. By providing drug users with access to harm reduction tools, it is possible to reduce the number of overdoses and decrease the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Secondly, there must be increased investments in addiction treatment and recovery. This means expanding access to evidence-based treatments like medication-assisted therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It also means providing support for peer-led recovery groups and increasing funding for community-based recovery centers. By investing in treatment and recovery, it is possible to give people the tools and resources they need to find hope and healing.

Finally, there needs to be a cultural shift in how we view and treat drug addiction. Those who struggle with addiction are often stigmatized and criminalized, leading to a sense of shame and alienation. This stigma prevents many from seeking help and drives people deeper into addiction. To address this issue, there needs to be a shift towards treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. This means reducing penalties for drug possession, prioritizing treatment over punishment, and investing in public education campaigns that promote compassion and understanding.

The “zombie apocalypse” is a terrifying reality that highlights the dire need for increased attention on the drug epidemic in Philadelphia. By understanding the root causes of how drug use turns people into zombies and addressing them through harm reduction policies and practices, investments in addiction treatment and recovery, and a cultural shift in how we view and treat addiction, it is possible to make progress towards a brighter, healthier Philadelphia. Together, we can combat the “zombie apocalypse” and build a safer, healthier, and more equitable city for all.

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Original story (created by me) published on Medium.com. Any changes and/or updates that have been added on Vocal.media are for content consumption purposes.

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