“Why is it called an overdose as opposed to a poisoning?”
Now that’s an interesting question. Let me take a shot at answering. I suspect that everywhere along the line the people involved don’t want any controversy. Therefore, they eliminate any words that might cause them to be at the center of some controversy. Overdose implies medication for which there is a safe and effective dose. Let’s explore alternative ways to express what really happened. Self-harm, poisoned himself and suicide all come to mind. Can you imagine how the press would react? Also, the police and medical authorities are expected to remain neutral and “nonjudgmental.” Then there’s the view often expressed by hippies that just because The Man doesn’t make something legal doesn’t mean there isn’t a safe and effective way to use it. Afterall, this stuff is only illegal because (fill in reasoning here.)
On the flip side, there appears to be only two natural causes of death for rap artists, aspiring rap artists and people who were struggling to put their life back together; “overdose” or being shot. Honestly, are there any old, retired rap artists living in quiet retirement?
Thanx for the reply. Thinking along those lines as well.