Pop stars' drug use sheds light on a problem

Over the weekend the world learned of yet another icon of the 1980s, Whitney Houston, passing away.
While it has not been confirmed yet, it is thought that her death may have involved drugs, possibly prescription drugs.
It was not that long ago that the world was told of the death of Michael Jackson and his abuse of prescription medications.
I saw an interview with Tony Bennett on Sunday where he was saying that he feels drugs should be legalized to cut down on the behind closed doors usage and crime.
But if Houston did die of a prescription drug overdose, like Jackson did, the problem is not illegal drugs like cocaine or others. It is powerful legal drugs and their abuse by people.
I believe most doctors are very responsible and caring individuals, interested in healing not hurting people.
But some people are clever enough to some how get doctors to give them drugs they want, so they can abuse them. This is a problem not limited to pop-stars. However, their lives being the open books our society has made them, has exposed a problem that should not exist.
Legalizing illegal drugs is not the answer to saving people from prescription drugs. But being close to loved ones who may be abusing legal drugs could be one way we can all save lives of people.
If you know someone may be hooked on a legal narcotic, confront them, stand by them and help them get help.
Turn to family doctors, counsellors or addiction help agencies to get the help needed to change life for the better.

–Until then,
Ken