Introduction
Drug overdose relates to the ingestion of respective drugs in quantities beyond the levels recommended. Overdoses typically result in an individual's toxic state as well as death. In 2017, over 70,200 Americans succumbed to death owing to such circumstances. The fatalities indicate an increment when compared with the totals accruing 1999 at 16,849 (Drugabuse.gov, n.d.) . The current paper aims at analyzing ledger Heath’s drug overdose and the circumstances which culminated in his death.
The Celebrity's Name
Heath Andrew Ledger is among one of the actors who succumbed to an overdose of respective drugs. He was born in 1979 and died in 2008. His career started off as an actor in Australia in addition to assuming roles encompassing directing films (Cnn.com, 2017) . In 1998, Ledger relocated to the United States to develop his career with regards to filmmaking. The Dark Knight commonly attracts acclamation as his greatest contribution to cinema history. His death resulted from cardiac arrest arising from intoxication buy an assortment of prescription drugs.
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List the Drugs Reported To Be Causal To Heath Ledger's Overdose and Death
Heath ledger succumbed to Combined Drug Intoxication. Heath Ledger’s situation indicated some reliance on alprazolam, oxycodone, doxylamine, hydrocodone in addition to temazepam (Davies, 2008) . Post-mortem results also indicated the presence of diazepam in Ledger’s body. However, his death did not result in the confiscation of illegal drugs.
Describe Any Signs and Symptoms of Serious Drug Abuse
Ledger had an extensive history indicating drug abuse that spiraled out of control. The actor relied on provisions such as cigarettes in addition to cocaine and heroin. Ledger’s Drug reliance culminated in attempts to check him into a center for rehabilitation. For example, Michelle Williams sought help from the Promises Treatment Centre located in California to ascertain that Heath Ledger obtained some assistance (Leonard, 2008). However, the actor commonly made concessions indicating his ability to deal with the problem on his own without the integration of professional help. The star also indicated binge drinking tendencies which further compounded his drug-related issues.
Describe Any Risk Factors That Could Have Contributed To Drug Use and Abuse
Ledger’s close relations indicated a propensity towards the utilization of various drugs. For example, Mary-Kate Olsen spurred speculations affiliated with her utilization of cocaine albeit her attempts to seek rehabilitation services to improve the prevalent anorexic condition (Amethystrecovery.org, 2015). Olsen’s interaction with Ledger further underscored the actor’s drug addiction as well as abuse. The actor succumbed to numerous episodes of depression as well as anxiety. In some of the interviews conducted, Ledger indicated that anxiety attacks assaulted him for simple at such as exiting his house. The disintegration of Ledger’s relationship with Michelle Williams catapulted his depressed episodes culminating in his reliance on heroine. The stress emanating from Ledger’s career also contributed to the challenges he faced. In most instances, prescription drugs allowed him to combat insomnia in addition to nerves (Quarters, n.d.) . The actor is quoted talking about extensively making use of Ambien particularly in the development of The Dark Knight . Heath Ledger’s acquaintance Rebecca White described a scenario in which the actor ingested some Ecstasy pills in Paris. Such instances shed light on the actor’s propensity for drug abuse which culminated in his demise.
The prior Criminal Charges Brought against Heath Ledger before His/hers Death
Prior to his death, Heath Ledger did not amass a criminal record. Instead, his notable contribution to film became apparent while setting the precedence for future actors. The only challenges faced involved his interaction with the media which failed to earn categorization under criminal atrocities.
My Reaction to Hearing of Heath Ledger's Death
The actor’s demise sparked some sadness particularly in regards to his theatre contribution. His role as the Joker underscored the perfection achievable with regards to character development in film. The contrast he offered to batman's character let to an exceptional portrayal of villains. Instead of extensively focusing on the benefits accruing from the role assumed, Ledger emphasized on effective message deliver for film development. As a result, he provided a yardstick for character portrayal for other contemporary films.
A Response on Whether the Knowledge of This Person's Accidental Death Has Had Any Long-Term Effects
Initially, the actor's death stalled the plans made for the promotion of the production featuring Batman valued at $185 million (Davies, 2008) . Moreover, the Australian Film Institute awarded Ledger posthumously. Other accolades became apparent from the Golden Globe Awards as well as Motion Pictures . Apart from redefining the approach used by actors to portray villains in film over the long-term, Ledger catapulted some consideration relating to drug abuse among prominent individuals. As a result, several enquiries have emerged fostering the admission of notable people into rehabilitation centers.
Conclusion
Drug overdoses have deprived many individuals of their lives. In Heath Ledger’s case, initial circumstances indicated his reliance on prescription and hard drugs as well as alcohol. Moreover, attempts to rectify the situation failed to yield positive outcomes. Heath Ledger provides a good illustration relating to the implications anticipated from an overdose of available drugs.
References
Amethystrecovery.org. (2015, October 21). Heath Ledger's Posthumous Legacy. Amethyst Recovery Center . Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://www.amethystrecovery.org/heath-ledgers-posthumous-legacy/
Cnn.com. (2017, April 14). What Killed Heath Ledger . Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2017/hln/how-it-really-happened/what-killed-heath-ledger/
Davies, L. (2008). Heath Ledger, 1979-2008 . The Monthly . Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2008/march/1363819649/luke-davies/heath-ledger-1979-2008
Drugabuse.gov. (n.d.). Overdose Death Rates/ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
Leonard, T. (2008, January 29). Heath Ledger 'refused help for heroin abuse. Telegraph . Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1577062/Heath-Ledger-refused-help-for-heroin-abuse.html
Quarters, P. (n.d.). Drugs, depression and a lost love- The Truth about the Lonely Death of Heath Ledger. Peace Quarters. Retrieved on 20 March 2019, from https://www.peacequarters.com/drugs-depression-death-heath-ledger-the-joker/
