August 19, 2016.
The over-hyped death of Michael Jackson had revealed that the rock star was abusing painkillers, drugs normally prescribed by prescription. They are becoming a real drug in the United States.
Painkillers: 250 million prescriptions in 2013
Since these painkillers are designed from opiate compounds, they have effects similar to opium in those who consume it (relief, relaxation), but also have the same side effects, starting with addiction, but then the effects. metabolic disorders, which can lead to … death. It is the abuse of these painkillers, administered in high doses and repeatedly to Michael Jackson that would have caused his death.
Patients deprived of painkillers turn to dealers
In the United States, health authorities are beginning to be concerned about the situation, estimating that prescriptions are reaching an unprecedented level: more than 250,000 prescriptions in 2013! And when patients are deprived of these drugs by their doctor, who wants to wean them off, they sometimes turn to contraband painkillers, sold like drugs by the dealers.
From now on, doctors are encouraged to prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen whenever pain reliever is needed, to accompany a treatment or a pathology, where they would have offered more powerful painkillers before. The painkiller market weighs … $ 10 billion a year in the United States.
To read also: Analgesics: which one to choose?