OCTOBER 27, 2009

       There was shock and surprise when Michael Jackson died in June. Most people knew he had substance abuse problems, but not many figured he would die so young.

       As the months go on, I’ve made an observation about society and its admission – and acceptance – of substance use.

       There’s always stories in the news when a celebrity hits rock bottom and needs to go to rehab to sober up. It’s a public spectacle so everybody knows what’s going on. But now, “everyday people” – people that live right here in Manitoba – are openly talking about their use of medication.

       While the usage might not be as extreme as Jackson’s, people seem to have no problem admitting they use of an over-the-counter drug for something other than its intended purpose.

       Having trouble sleeping? Did you have some Nyquil or Neocitran? Isn’t that for when you’re sick? Are you really sick when you’re taking it?

       Granted, it could seem harmless in the short term and it could be argued that part of the use for these products is indeed to help you sleep, but are you becoming dependent on them? How long have you been using this to sleep at night?

       It’s not just young kids experimenting with getting a buzz from something. That always seems to be the expressed concern. But lately lots of people have been openly talking about what’s in their medicine cabinet and what’s used for something other than its suggested use.

       It could be a temporary fix for a person now, but do you think Michael Jackson realized his meds would someday kill him? Or was the addiction clouding his judgment so much that he wouldn’t have even seen it coming?