Michael Jackson's death highlights a growing problem with prescription drug abuse

July 1, 9:27 AMHealth Care ExaminerSheila Guilloton

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The untimely and tragic death of Michael Jackson has highlighted a problem that has been growing exponentially over the last few years—abuse of prescription drugs. In fact, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy   reports that last year abuse of prescription pain killers now ranks second—only behind marijuana—as the Nation's most prevalent illegal drug problem. Using prescription drugs to get high has become increasingly troublesome among teens and young adults.

The final medical cause of Mr. Jackson’s death is not yet determined. News stories, sane and crazy, are circulating wildly in all media forums.  Few doubt that the use or abuse of prescription drugs will play some role in causing the cardiac arrest suffered by Mr. Jackson.

Reports had first surfaced that a personal physician had given Mr. Jackson a shot of Demerol just before he collapsed. The report has been denied. Toxicology reports should clarify exactly what,  if any , drugs where in Mr. Jackson’s system. ABC News reported that  some  friends and associates of  Michael Jackson believe that he had a 20 year or more addiction to the painkiller Demerol.   Others have denied this report.

In the United States and Canada  this drug is commonly known as meperidine.  The brand name  is Demerol.   There is some evidence to show that Mr. Jackson’s  possible dependence on painkillers may go  back to the accident which resulted in severe burns to his scalp while filming a Pepsi commercial in 1984. News sources say that Mr. Jackson sought treatment for his addiction to painkillers at a London clinic in 1993.

Demerol has played a part in the deaths of several famous people in the U.S.  David Kennedy,  son of the late Robert Kennedy,  was found dead in a hotel room in Palm Beach in May, 1984.  The coroner determined that a deadly mix of cocaine, Demerol and Mellaril were the cause of death.   Tammy Wynette’s daughter, Jackie Daly, alleged in her book Tammy Wynette: A Daughter Recalls Her Mother's Tragic Life and Death  that her mother was hopelessly addicted to powerful painkillers, including Demerol.

Prescription painkillers are a necessary and useful tool in a doctor’s arsenal to treat chronic or severe pain.  Taken as directed, under the supervision of a competent medical professional, painkillers are safe.   But all patients who are taking painkillers should be watched for signs of dependence.

The short term effects of painkillers can include drowsiness, inability to concentrate, apathy, lack of energy, constriction of the pupils, flushing of the face and neck, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and most significantly, respiratory depression.

If someone becomes dependent on the painkiller a vicious cycle can begin.  Patients experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug, sometimes so severe that they begin to take the drug again to relieve the withdrawal symptoms not to relieve pain.  Symptoms of withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps and involuntary leg movements.

As the person takes more and more of the painkiller a tolerance for the drug develops  which means it requires more and more of the drug to produce the needed effect.  Higher doses pose ever increasing danger.

Whatever the outcome of the medical examinations into Michael Jackson’s death his tragic loss is at the very least raising awareness and stimulating conversation about the abuse of prescription drug use.    His musical legacy is fixed.   Perhaps he will also be the catalyst to save lives as well.