Addiction in the News (Again)
While much of the press surrounding Michael Jackson’s untimely death has attempted to focus on his unparalleled talent and status as an entertainment icon, there has been a lot of focus on his alleged prescription drug abuse problems. The tragic deaths of Elvis, Health Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, and many other celebrities/performers have highlighted time and time again the serious and destructive nature of the these highly addictive yet seemingly “legal” substances. Screening and intervention for this particular addiction is exceedingly difficult largely due to the complicity of prescribing physicians and their lack of training on addiction. My educational, personal, and professional experience with physician training on alcohol and drug abuse problems, the treatment of addictive disorders, and working with high profile people makes the many nuances of this aspect of the Michael Jackson story as interesting to me as it is tragic. Any thoughts?
Filed under: Lifestyle & Behaviors, Substance Abuse, Uncategorized
