Read my blog below "Giving Up The Ghost" that highlights my story in the book!

Scott M. Davis, M.D., M.A., FASAM


Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine


Email: scott.davis.md@gmail.com

Dr. Scott M. Davis, M.D. is an Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist. Graduating from Boston University School of Medicine in 1991, he completed his medical training in Internal Medicine from the University of California at Irvine and subsequently, a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine with Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Dr. Davis is now widely regarded as a leading expert in the field of Addiction Medicine, garnering requests for his substance abuse expertise from numerous professional organizations and government agencies as diverse as the California Board of Registered Nursing, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), the U.S. Government’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and the United States Justice Department. His most recent book is Living Jonathan's Life, (publisher, Health Communications Inc.,released January,2008.

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Did Michael Jackson's Prescription Drug Use Lead To His Death?

Prescription drugs when used properly can have many beneficial effects- including significant reduction of pain, reduction in anxiety and improved sleep for instance. However, when used improperly, these medications can be quite harmful and, in fact, can become quickly fatal. Narcotic painkillers, for example, when taken in dosages that exceed the recommended amounts, or when combined with other medications or alcohol, can create a sudden, large drop in blood pressure. Physically, narcotics have an effect of dilating blood vessels, dropping blood pressure, causing the heart to have to work harder to maintain a normal blood pressure. If the heart is already compromised- as can occur due to stress, physical or even excessive psychological illness, or co-occurring physical illness- the added workload on the heart can lead to abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) that can result in death. Drug overdose- that which may have led to Michael Jackson's untimely death- can quickly lead to death in this manner.

Whether overdose on prescription drugs lead to Michael Jackson's death is unclear at this early stage, and simply speculation now. However, this certainly must be considered a possibility, particularly given his past history of drug abuse and need for treatment. Past behavior and family concern is frequently a "red flag" for a drug problem. Relatives of Michael Jackson had publically expressed serious concerns in the past for possible drug addiction. Unfortunately, drug overdose may never be known in certainty as the cause of death, as is the case in many instances.

I will continue my blog discussion tomorrow on prescription drug abuse/ addiction and further discussion on how this may have contributed to Michael Jackson's untimely death. Please comment if you wish in this discussion.

2 comments:

Say No To Drugs said...

Obviously It should be yes!

The toxicology reports to detail the prescription drugs use of Michael Jackson is yet to arrive.

Whatever it is going to say, the autopsy of Michael Jackson will perhaps be the last surgery that he will ever tolerate in his life!

May his Soul Rest In Peace! He will continue to live for as long as music would live!

Jessie said...

An addiction treatment center should lead the way in offering an individual the alcohol and drug addiction treatment services that are going to help you achieve long term recovery.

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