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Pop culture lost a legend last week as icon Michael Jackson died on June 25th. Everyone knows of Michael Jackson and has seen his greatness, but most of us have seen his struggles in the spotlight as well. As examiners perform toxicology tests to find out if prescription drugs played a role in his death, we want to take a look at both the celebrity Michael Jackson as well as everyday Americans that abuse prescription painkillers to get an idea of how universal this problem really is.
Jackson’s Stardom
Michael Jackson was such a big star that reports say an investigation on his death was required, but the fact is that some close friends and professionals have suspected a prescription painkiller abuse by Jackson for some time now. Reports say that Jackson was prescribed medication to manage pain from injuries that occurred from performing. Jackson dealt with a number of accidents during shows in his history of performing, something that took a toll on his body over the years. A lawsuit was filed in 2007 by a pharmacy claiming Jackson owed a large sum of money for painkillers he purchased, and many people that knew him have not denied that he took prescription painkillers. But could it be that, like so many others dealing with pain, he began to abuse the painkillers and mix them, leading to his death? We’ll have to wait for test results before we know for sure the cause of his death, but we do know that many people in our country die in this way.
Pressures Lead to Drug Abuse
Jackson’s celebrity life must have been filled with stress, something that leads many people down the path of drug abuse. Filled with accusations and lawsuits for various reasons, Jackson was used to being hounded by the press, fans, and adversaries. For other people in our country, it might not be the limelight and the pressures that come with it, but it could be stress at work, or the loss of a job, or marital problems that cause someone to medicate their lives with drugs. For many others it is an injury or illness that needs to be managed with painkillers that become so addicting the person can’t stop.
Whatever the issue is that causes someone to be addicted to drugs; one thing we know is that drugs and addiction can happen to anyone. Both the rich and the poor, the executive and the housewife, and people from all walks of life are susceptible to drug abuse. Sometimes it takes the concern of a family member or friend to convince an addict to get help; other times the person may see the devastation drugs cause and get help themselves. However the help comes, it is so important for these people to get treatment before it is too late, because too many deaths occur each year from drug addiction or overdose.
Sources
Otterman and Robbins Shock and Grief Over Jackson’s Death June 26, 2009
Investigation into Michael Jackson’s cause of death continues June 28
Jaccarino, Mike Constant pain part of Michael Jackson’s life June 28th 2009
