Celebrity Drug Deaths Highlight Prescription Drug Problem
Prescription drugs are commonly found to be involved in the deaths of celebrities. These drugs are also deadly for the average person, and many people underestimate the deadliness of these drugs which are seemingly less dangerous because they are prescribed by a doctor.
Drug usage by celebrities and musicians is nothing new, but the trend 
recently into prescription drugs is a dangerous one, as evidenced by the deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Anna Nicole Smith.
Though these are the most media-covered overdoses of the thousands that occur every year, they are indicative of how anyone can start, become addicted, and develop a dependency on prescription drugs. Recently, Steven Tyler, lead singer of the band Aerosmith, checked himself into rehab for addiction to painkillers. Brittany Murphy’s death has also been speculated to be caused by prescription drugs.
Path to Addiction
Steven Tyler had long quit his illicit drug usage and drinking. Because years of touring and acrobatic rock and roll performing caused numerous injuries to his knees and legs, he was prescribed medication to treat the pain. That was the start of what would slowly spiral into a dependency on the drugs. Recently, he checked himself into a rehab clinic to treat his addiction.
Accidental dependence was also blamed for the start of Michael Jackson’s prescription medication addiction. When he was famously seriously burned filming a Pepsi commercial in 1984, he was given Demerol. After his death, it was revealed that that could have been the beginning of what turned out to be an abuse of prescription drugs that lasted over 20 years, resulting in his tragic death.
Vicodin and Ambien addiction is speculated to be blamed for Tiger Wood’s troubles. Through many injuries associated with being a professional athlete, Woods was prescribed the drugs. It is even possible that the effects of these drugs could have contributed to his sexual escapades and Tiger is reportedly planning to enter rehab for drug addiction and sex addiction.
Prescription Drugs Seem Less "Sinister"
For many, prescription drug abuse could begin because the drugs are easily obtainable. They could be found in the medicine cabinets of many households or from friends or dealers. Many people share the drugs and some have “pharming parties” where the drugs such as Vicodin, Methadone, and OxyContin are put into bowls and shared. In many towns and cities, prescription drugs are more easily obtainable than illegal drugs. Some teens are able to buy them easier than they can alcohol.
Because these prescription drugs are sold and marketed as “legal” drugs, there seems to be a perception that they are “safer” than illegal drugs and the consequences of taking them are not taken as seriously. That is not true, of course, as some of these drugs are just as dangerous and are as addictive to as heroin or cocaine.
Dangers of Overdose
According to the most current figures available from the National Drug Control Policy, 8,500 deaths occurred in the United States due to non-medical use of painkillers. This is an increase of 114% from 2001 to 2005. That number has most likely been increasing in recent years.
Although the toxicology results are not yet available for Brittany Murphy’s tragic death and no illicit drugs were found, many prescription drugs (that were not prescribed to her) were discovered in her room, including: Vicodin, Prozac, Klonopin, Carbamazepine, Ativan, Methylprednisolone, Propranolol, Biaxin, and Topamax.
Do Not Underestimate the Deadliness of Prescription Drugs
Do not be under the belief that since prescription drugs are legally made and prescribed that they are not as dangerous as drugs sold illicitly on the streets. If you find yourself addicted, there are treatments available. The overdose deaths of these famous celebrities are just as likely to happen as any “regular” person. If you need help for your prescription drug problem, give us a call at 866.540.5242 to have all your questions answered.
