It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the untimely passing of Angus Cloud, a talented actor who captured the hearts of many through his remarkable performances, particularly in the hit TV series Euphoria.
Angus Cloud was not just an actor; he was a bright young talent on the rise, and his portrayal of Fezco in Euphoria was nothing short of captivating. He brought depth, authenticity and vulnerability to his character, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His portrayal shed light on the struggles faced by many young people, addressing issues such as addiction, trauma and mental health in a way that resonated with viewers around the world.
The coroner’s confirmation that Angus died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine serves as a grim reminder of the risk of death when using drugs. One of the drugs in his system, fentanyl, has been claiming lives at an alarming rate in America. This synthetic opioid, originally developed for medical purposes, has now become strongly associated with a growing epidemic of opioid abuse, with many individuals taking it unknowingly because other substances are often cut with it, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
In the wake of his passing, it is crucial that we not only celebrate his talent but also reflect on the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome. Angus Cloud’s accidental overdose is a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the prevalence of addiction in our society. Fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine are potent and highly addictive drugs, and their misuse can have devastating consequences.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl was initially intended to serve as a powerful painkiller for patients suffering from severe pain, particularly those undergoing surgery or dealing with chronic pain conditions like cancer. It was a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of pain management, but it’s also this very potency that has made it such a dangerous substance when misused or abused.
While it offers extremely effective pain relief when administered under strict medical supervision, even the tiniest miscalculation in dosage can lead to fatality. With illicitly manufactured fentanyl, the dose is not accurate, and it’s infiltrated the illegal drug market with devastating results.
Due to its potency, a small amount of fentanyl can produce effects similar to much larger quantities of other opioids like heroin or morphine, making it a cheaper option for users. The drug is also often mixed with other substances, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking and significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
Addiction Helplines and Organisations
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, there are free addiction support services you can reach out to for advice and guidance. We have listed the main UK ones below.
- Step by Step Recovery residential rehab centre in Essex provides free, no-obligation advice on addiction treatment options. Call 0800 170 1222.
● FRANK offers advice on substance use disorders (SUD) and can direct you to local free addiction treatment centres. Call 0300 123 6600 (24/7).
● Narcotics Anonymous offers face-to-face or online meetings providing support and guidance for people with substance use disorders (SUD).
- Addaction is a free online messaging service that offers help and support for addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) issues.
- Families Anonymous provides advice and support groups for family members, friends and other carers who are helping someone with a substance use disorder (SUD).
The Opioid Epidemic and Fentanyl
The opioid epidemic is closely tied to the drug oxycodone, better known by the brand name Oxycontin. Fentanyl is frequently sold as oxycodone tablets or bought by people who are addicted to Oxycontin and can’t get hold of it. Typically 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, the use of fentanyl can lead to addiction very quickly, with many people becoming addicted after the first time they use it.
When the use of fentanyl is reduced or halted, individuals often experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including cold sweats, nausea, body aches and overwhelming anxiety. These symptoms can be so debilitating that stopping the use of fentanyl without professional addiction treatment becomes an immense challenge.
Moreover, fentanyl has a depressant effect on respiratory function, which significantly increases the risk of overdose. Accidental overdoses frequently occur when individuals take higher doses in pursuit of a more intense high or when they combine the drug with substances like alcohol, which exacerbate respiratory depression. Fentanyl also takes a severe toll on mental health, with many users experiencing mood disorders as a result of their addiction.
The Take-Away
Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals from all walks of life. It does not discriminate based on age, gender or social status. We must advocate for better access to addiction treatment and mental health services. Far too often, individuals struggling with addiction face barriers to getting the help they need.
In the memory of Angus Cloud and countless others who have lost their lives to addiction, let us commit to raising awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and advocating for comprehensive addiction treatment programs. We must work together to prevent further tragedies and ensure that individuals in need can find hope, healing and support on their journey toward recovery.
Angus Cloud’s legacy as a talented actor will live on in the hearts of his fans and the impact of his work. Let us honour his memory by coming together to address the addiction crisis and promote a society where everyone can seek help without fear or shame.