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.

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.

Scott M. Davis M.D., M.A., FASAM
Inpatient Medical Director, Betty Ford Center
Author of "Living Jonathan's Life"

What if we legalized all drugs? - MSN Money

What if we legalized all drugs? - MSN Money

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