Prescription drug abuse

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June 30, 2009

Many people are speculating that Michael Jackson may have died from an overdose of prescription pain killers like Demerol and Oxycontin. But regardless of the outcome of his autopsy, Michael Jackson's untimely death is shining a bright light on the problem of prescription drug abuse. Why do people get so easily hooked on prescription pain medication, and to what degree are physicians enabling their addictions?

Also on this episode

Dr. Joseph Haraszti, psychiatrist, assistant professor of Medicine and USC's Keck School of Medicine and former medical director of Las Encinas Psychiatric Hospital.

Paul
4 months, 3 weeks ago

As a physician I was incensed by "Dr" Haraszti's casual mention that he had been contacted by those caring for MJ and offered to paticipate in his care. This is simply unacceptable behavior, exposing a shameless self-promoter rather than an ethical physician. The confidentiality of one's professional activities is not shared, even with those to whom one is closest in life.
Paul

Bob Shear
4 months, 3 weeks ago

It's much worse than just unethical. The privacy of information about alcohol and drug treatment is protected by federal law. Haraszti says that from his conversation with an intermediary he knows what drugs Jackson was taking, and agreed he would treat him at Las Encinas Hospital. If Jackson had ANY real involvement in that transaction, what Haraszti knows cannot be legally disclosed without written consent of his legal representative.

I hope the US Attorney gets on this, and if this is as bad as it looks, that Haraszti is subjected to criminal prosecution.

Melanee Fishwick
4 months, 3 weeks ago

I realize I am being a dreamer, however Mr Jackson's death may enable the medical community to recognize the complexities of chronic pain management.
Tracking the use of narciotic medications through the DEA, the need for multi-discliplinary teams headed by a chronic pain specialist, numerous options for treatment beyond the simple prescription of medication is only the beginning We, doctors, mental health specialists, pharmacists, nurses need to seriously address this national crises.
Perhaps Pres. Obama's health care reform will recognize that we need to be proactive, not always reacting again and again when a tragic, celebrity death forces us to morn our simplistic approaches to those in "pain".

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