Drug Death Responsibility

After weeks of testimony, the case is finally set to go to the jury. The trial made public the fact that Smith depended on drugs to relieve chronic pain, migraine headaches, depression and anxiety. But the lawyer for one of two doctors on trial insists Smith was not a drug addict. Prosecutors disagree. 

Stern and Doctors Accused of Feeding Drugs

While not being held responsible for Smith’s death, Stern and the two doctors are accused of feeding Smith’s addiction by using false names to obtain prescription medication for her. 

"Our laws are designed to stop prosecutors and law enforcement from second-guessing medical physicians," Garofolo said in her closing argument. California law protects doctors who give drugs to addicts if they believe in good faith that the prescriptions are for a medical purpose, she said. 

While Smith did spend time in a rehab facility in 1996, records made public during the trial show that she was never diagnosed as an addict.  

Kapoor prescribed the powerful painkiller Dilaudid to the troubled celebrity in 2004 following a jet-ski accident, when she allegedly obtained drugs from four different doctors around the same time. Kapoor and Eroshevich are also charged with using false names to write prescriptions that were intended for Smith.

The result of the trial will likely have an impact on doctors’ already growing hesitancy to prescribe painkillers that are known to be easily abused. Prescription addiction continues to be a growing problem in the US, and one of the fastest growing areas of drug abuse.  

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling a prescription drug addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.