opioid

Examining Doctors’ Roles in the Opioid Epidemic

Examining Doctors’ Roles in the Opioid Epidemic

Tom Petty and Michael Jackson have more in common than being internationally known recording artists; both of their lives tragically ended as a result of prescription drug overdoses. Petty was prescribed several prescription medications to deal with a hip injury, while Jackson was prescribed medication to combat insomnia. While Tom Petty’s doctor was neither charged nor investigated in connection with Petty’s death, it was a different story with Michael Jackson’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray. Dr. Murray was charged with and eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter following Jackson’s death, and served two years in prison.