As i began to discuss yesterday, and becoming more apparant today, Michael Jackson's excessive use of prescription drugs may well have contributed to or caused his demise. Reports from those who knew him well are surfacing of his narcotic addiction and his treatment of chronic pain.
Alone these drugs such as the narcotics Demerol and oxycontin- which Michael Jackson purportedly was prescribed repeatedly- can ease pain but also have serious physical, psychological and social consequences. In combination, these drugs greatly increase the risk for overdose and death. Also, a paradox exists for the treatment of chronic pain with narcotics. As one continues to use these drugs for a prolonged period to reduce pain- in fact, pain can actually worsen as the narcotics are continued. These drugs over time actually make the body more sensitive to pain. A vicious cycle then ensues-- more pain develops, more drug is taken to relieve the pain, and then more pain occurs, and so on. I have seen countless patients fall into this cyclic trap of pain and pain medication, that eventually leads to addiction. One can only wonder if Mr. Jackson himself was its victim who eventually was befallen by overdose.
Perhaps this most tragic example of the consequences of drug addiction can show the world that the disease of addiction does not discriminate, and must be taken very seriously. It can equally affect the lives of those who live at the lower rungs of our society just as well as touching those, like Michael Jackson, who lived in its upper limelight.