United States 6/27/2009 2:34:40 AM
Michael Jackson: Victim of Prescription Drug Abuse?
Demerol is a highly addictive substance
The sudden death of Michael Jackson yesterday shocked the world. Michael Jackson is possibly the best known musician in the world.
While the specific cause of his death is yet to be determined, many media outlets are reporting that shortly before his death he was injected with Demerol, a potent pain killer.
It is being reported that Michael Jackson was receiving the drug due to dance related injuries. Jackson’s lawyer claims to have warned “everyone” about the potential problems with Michael’s health. Demerol is a highly addictive substance and has a high rate of drug abuse.
While there is not yet any information on how long Michael had been taking the drug, his death is a sad reminder that the world has lost too many wonderful and talented individuals to prescription drug abuse.
Prescription drug abuse is on the rise across the country. Some experts believe that because these drugs are seem less harmful than street drugs, not enough is being done to educate the public on the consequences of their use. Doctors should be required to attend training seminars on new drugs as they come out so they can warn their patients.
Intense marketing and a resultant 150% rise in the numbers of prescriptions written has resulted in a growing number of addicted people.
In a recent press conference Joseph A. Califano Jr., the National Center on Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University’s director and president said:
"Aggressive marketing of controlled drugs to physicians . . . is designed to increase profits with little regard for abuse potential, Our nation is in the throes of an epidemic of controlled prescription drug abuse and addiction."
More than 15 million Americans abuse controlled substances—double the amount from a decade ago, according to a report issued by CASA. This represents a clear problem for America because there is virtually no increase in drug treatment available.
Narconon of Georgia provides drug treatment and education for the entire southeast region. Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program.
