The Media’s Irresponsible Coverage of Prince’s So-Called Addiction

By Toshia Humphries May 13 2016

As the harsh reality of Prince’s untimely exit fully sinks in and our grieving continues, the world is now clouded with a media frenzy. The latter results from a combination of things: Prince’s private mystique, the questionable way in which he died and the lack of known facts surrounding his death. The absence of information and length of time required to produce autopsy results leaves fans both curious and concerned. As such, the media stands to make a profit from any seemingly substantial theories they can provide.

One proposed theory is particularly concerning and directly impacts the addiction recovery community. The sudden claim that Prince was addicted to narcotic pain pills surfaced shortly after his demise and it didn’t take too much time for the media to produce so-called witnesses to also support this suggestion. Recently, statements have been made declaring Prince had an appointment to see an addiction specialist which was reportedly scheduled just days after his death.

However, what the public fails to remember is that we still don't know the cause of his death and therefore have no proof that he was indeed an addict. Additionally, few of us have actually had the privilege of personally knowing him, and so we can only base our individual conclusions on what we do know: that Prince was private, professional, constantly producing music, still performing and seemingly one of the most humble, spiritual and holistically healthy artistic geniuses our world has ever known.

Rarely is that description ever used to describe an active addict. Moreover, the holistic health and spirituality components were often self-professed by Prince in various interviews throughout his career. He was a vegan, devout Jehovah’s Witness, claimed to abstain from drugs and alcohol and, according to those who toured with him, required all those around him to be abstinent as well. Additionally, in 2000, according to his sister, Tyka Nelson, Prince assisted her in receiving help for her drug addiction.

Again, none of the aforementioned information points toward active addiction as a cause of death for Prince. What the media is portraying begs for a better public understanding of the signs and symptoms that are typically present in drug abuse and addiction.

Below is a list of common characteristics of drug abuse, addiction and prescription opiate intoxication.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

• Neglecting professional and personal responsibilities because of drug use
• Using drugs in risky situations or dangerous circumstances and practicing high-risk behavior under the influence of drugs
• Drug use resulting in legal consequences
• Drug use negatively affecting interpersonal relationships and resulting in loss of romantic relationships, employment, family connections and/or friends

Signs and symptoms of Drug Addiction

• Presence of drug tolerance and more drugs that are needed to acquire the same desired effect
• Drug use is necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms
• Loss of self-control over the use of drugs, typically noted with several promises or attempts to quit
• Obsessive and compulsive thoughts about attempts to score or recovering from the effects of drugs
• Complete loss of interest in hobbies, socializing, or activities once considered priorities
• The continued use of drugs, regardless of negative consequences or destructive effects to self, family, friends or career

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Opiate Intoxication

• Decreased social interaction
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Declining cognitive function (i.e., poor memory, lack of focus, etc.)
• Decreased bowel movements or constipation
• Decreased motor skills (i.e., slowed movements, reactions, etc.)
• Slowed breathing
• Unstable mood
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Depression or complete apathy

The Verdict: Royal Addict or Not?

So, the question for those in the recovery community remains: was Prince really an addict or not?

Unfortunately, without full, personal knowledge of his life, no ethical helping professional can safely, publicly make that call. However, given the public way in which celebrity lives are typically exposed, it does seem appropriate to assume that the general population would have caught onto some signs of a growing, self-destructive issue. Whether a functioning or non-functioning addict, Prince would have shown obvious behavioral symptoms at award ceremonies, during interviews or on stage, especially if his reported addiction had spanned the two decades claimed by a few media outlets. However, none of these aforementioned signs or symptoms was ever witnessed by the public, which make these recent claims in the media even more concerning.

If the media is merely using the deadly disease of addiction to influence the public, regardless of the underlying motive without considering the ramifications of a public diagnosis or potential misdiagnosis based on hearsay, they are not merely disrespecting the late Prince, but they are also recklessly misleading and misinforming the general population about the disease of addiction, its chronic and progressive nature, and the holistic—physical, behavioral and spiritual—signs and symptoms that ultimately accompany it. The inherent danger that this possibility poses to the public, the field of addiction and the recovering community is insurmountable and equal only to the deliberate destruction of The Purple One’s once gleaming reputation and resulting devastation felt by his still-devoted fans.

[Edited 6/3/17 6:29am]

So now it's the media's fault? Uh NO. The family could end all this speculation anytime they want to. Evidently they are ok with him being labeled an addict and all this other speculation.

laurarichardson said:

PennyPurple said:

So now it's the media's fault? Uh NO. The family could end all this speculation anytime they want to. Evidently they are ok with him being labeled an addict and all this other speculation.

EXACTLY.....

When I try to make sense of THAT...

well

I start walking down a dark path..

and I dont want to.....

muleFunk said:

This is supposition here but when the addiction and withdrawl narrative is taken into consideration with the discovery of fake drugs with Fentanyl and U-47000(sp) you also have to think that the loaded pills led to this so called withdrawals that Prince was experiencing.

If this is a correct assumption then also assume that Prince was taking medications given to him and those medications were loaded then assume that this was done with malace.

*shudder*

It's really annoying that people keep trying to push the narrative that Prince wasn't an addict because he was able to perform and keep it together in public. As if there's never been a functioning addict.

The man died of a drug overdose after a period where he was privately falling apart.

There's nothing his family can say to counter that reality.

• Denial – Since functional addicts have avoided many of the negative consequences related to addiction, and since they can maintain some of the normalcy in their everyday life, they commonly deny that they have a problem. Additionally, their family and friends may deny the problem as well, either because they do not recognize it, or because they do not realize the severity of the situation.
• Uncharacteristic behavior – All addictions have consequences, whether to health, careers or relationships. Noticing these slips in normal behavior can be a tell-tale sign of addiction.
• Excuses – To continue the addiction, the functional addict must figure out how to hide his problem, which often means making excuses for unusual behavior
• False appearance of normalcy – From the outside, most functional addicts look completely normal and healthy, but they have actually developed a complex double life that enables them to function in society while feeding their addictions

[Edited 6/3/17 10:39am]

Strive said:

It's really annoying that people keep trying to push the narrative that Prince wasn't an addict because he was able to perform and keep it together in public. As if there's never been a functioning addict.

The man died of a drug overdose after a period where he was privately falling apart.

There's nothing his family can say to counter that reality.

• Denial – Since functional addicts have avoided many of the negative consequences related to addiction, and since they can maintain some of the normalcy in their everyday life, they commonly deny that they have a problem. Additionally, their family and friends may deny the problem as well, either because they do not recognize it, or because they do not realize the severity of the situation.
• Uncharacteristic behavior – All addictions have consequences, whether to health, careers or relationships. Noticing these slips in normal behavior can be a tell-tale sign of addiction.
• Excuses – To continue the addiction, the functional addict must figure out how to hide his problem, which often means making excuses for unusual behavior
• False appearance of normalcy – From the outside, most functional addicts look completely normal and healthy, but they have actually developed a complex double life that enables them to function in society while feeding their addictions

[Edited 6/3/17 10:39am]

It's really annoying that people keep trying to push the narrative that Prince was an addict when there is no evidence to suggest that he was other than he was using pain medication.

Then you add that he was privately falling apart????

What you mention is pure fiction.

"However, given the public way in which celebrity lives are typically exposed, it does seem appropriate to assume that the general population would have caught onto some signs of a growing, self-destructive issue. Whether a functioning or non-functioning addict, Prince would have shown obvious behavioral symptoms at award ceremonies, during interviews or on stage, especially if his reported addiction had spanned the two decades claimed by a few media outlets. However, none of these aforementioned signs or symptoms was ever witnessed by the public, which make these recent claims in the media even more concerning."

PennyPurple said:

So now it's the media's fault? Uh NO. The family could end all this speculation anytime they want to. Evidently they are ok with him being labeled an addict and all this other speculation.

.

kmama07 said:

laurarichardson said:

He was at that Party on Saturday did he get over the withdrawals in a day.

By taking a pill, or 1/2 or 1/4 pill. Just enough to curb/ relieve the symptoms. It's no different than a person who is dependent on alcohol. If he/she has tremors or shakes, just one drink will help calm it down. Same with the pills. [Edited 6/3/17 7:34am]

.

Yes, truth. I have lived with and been around people who were addicted to drugs, pills and alcohol, so I can speak from personal experience. It's a vicious cycle of when they get their next "fix". My sister is a functioning alcoholic, but some day, it's going to catch up to her. I already see the signs of neurological damage, and it's quite sad.

.

I think Prince knew what he could handle, and what he couldn't handle (or so he thought); and unfortunately, he got a bad batch of Fentanyl which took his life.

muleFunk said:

It's really annoying that people keep trying to push the narrative that Prince was an addict when there is no evidence to suggest that he was other than he was using pain medication.

Then you add that he was privately falling apart????

What you mention is pure fiction.

There were reports from credible sources as far back as 2009 that Prince had a problem with pain pills due to his hip issues (I'm having trouble finding the original links but it was all over the org back in the day https://www.theguardian.c...p-surgery)

Examples of him privately falling apart: his private chef talking about his stomach issues/not eating from before the Piano & Microphone tour began, him becoming more emotional while performing, him making amends with alot of the people from his past, him having 'influenza' which caused him to cancel shows, him overdosing after his Atlanta show, him telling everybody he was fine after his overdose (denial), him riding his bike around/holding a dance party after his overdose (false appearance of normalcy), the reports that he stayed up for days afterwards and his own inner circle attempting to get him help from an addiction specialist, who was coming out to try to stabilize him.

muleFunk said:

"However, given the public way in which celebrity lives are typically exposed, it does seem appropriate to assume that the general population would have caught onto some signs of a growing, self-destructive issue. Whether a functioning or non-functioning addict, Prince would have shown obvious behavioral symptoms at award ceremonies, during interviews or on stage, especially if his reported addiction had spanned the two decades claimed by a few media outlets. However, none of these aforementioned signs or symptoms was ever witnessed by the public, which make these recent claims in the media even more concerning."

The fact he was able to get some sort of hip surgery without the media or fans finding out until his autopsy report was released sort of pokes a hole in your theory. And the fact he wasn't slurring or falling down during award ceremonies/interviews/performances doesn't mean he didn't have a problem.

[Edited 6/3/17 12:10pm]

Strive said:

It's really annoying that people keep trying to push the narrative that Prince wasn't an addict because he was able to perform and keep it together in public. As if there's never been a functioning addict.

The man died of a drug overdose after a period where he was privately falling apart.

There's nothing his family can say to counter that reality.

• Denial – Since functional addicts have avoided many of the negative consequences related to addiction, and since they can maintain some of the normalcy in their everyday life, they commonly deny that they have a problem. Additionally, their family and friends may deny the problem as well, either because they do not recognize it, or because they do not realize the severity of the situation.
• Uncharacteristic behavior – All addictions have consequences, whether to health, careers or relationships. Noticing these slips in normal behavior can be a tell-tale sign of addiction.
• Excuses – To continue the addiction, the functional addict must figure out how to hide his problem, which often means making excuses for unusual behavior
• False appearance of normalcy – From the outside, most functional addicts look completely normal and healthy, but they have actually developed a complex double life that enables them to function in society while feeding their addictions

[Edited 6/3/17 10:39am]

.

Key words: Functioning addict.

.

He was taking just enough opiods just to help him function and get through the day.

.

It's obvious that he did not look well in the last 2-years of his life. He was extremely thin and his eyes were glazed-over.

Strive said:

The fact he was able to get some sort of hip surgery without the media or fans finding out until his autopsy report was released sort of pokes a hole in your theory. And the fact he wasn't slurring or falling down during award ceremonies/interviews/performances doesn't mean he didn't have a problem.

1. That's not my theory it's the author of the article.

2. Do a site check and see how long Prince's hip issues have been discussed on this site.

moonsister said:

1Sasha said:

Strive said:

herb4 said:

laurarichardson said:

herb4 said: If he was suffering from withdrawals how did he throw a party, go to the record store,ride a bike,and go Out to a jazz club. Numerous people spoke to him and looked in his face and noticed nothing the withdrawals should have him bed ridden. [Edited 5/31/17 18:51pm]

Logic tells me he took some opiods.

^^ Remember that scene from Trainspotting where Renton's basically saying 'Just give me one more hit'?!! In other words, he's trying to prevent withdrawals by taking more...

Now I know the film is fiction, but technically so are the conspiracy theorist ideas on this thread: Clue, they talk in riddles and like to repeat themselves over and over

Fair to say logic dictates these people don't do logic. Maybe if they understood how opiates actually work

laurarichardson said:

herb4 said:

Logic tells me he took some opiods.

Well logic should tell you that if he the two Narcan shots he would have been in withdrawals and clinging to his bed or if he went back to taking massive doses of pain pills people would not say he looked and acted fine and these are not all people on his payroll. Somethings do not add up about this story and it has nothing to do with conspiracy theories just plain old common sense. That dude was ill with something and it is going to come out sooner or later.

I guarantee you will still be waiting in 5, 10, 15 years time

He was ill from opiate addiction and withdrawals. That's what most normal people on this site accept, but something tells me you're not one of them.

fortuneandserendipity said:

fortuneandserendipity said:

PurpleDiamonds1 said:

Question---Prior to Dr. S, do we know if Prince was getting drugs from a doctor through Kurt? Is it possible he only started seeing a real doctor (longterm) a few months before his death. Here's why I ask. Maybe, Kurt (who also had to endure pain due to athletic and dancing and whose doctor Prince eventually saw) found out about P's taking illegal drugs and then offered to get P legitimate pain pills from a doctor in his name to protect P's privacy (in an attempt to counter P's method of obtaining via internet or whatever). I ask this because it makes no sense for Kurt to put his ass on the line with pills in his name if he was already procuring illegal drugs for Prince in the first place. The illegal drugs have no easily detectable paperwork trail (but they do come with a stiffer penalty). Why draw attention to illegal doing by then creating a paper trail. I am starting to think that P's paranoia of doctors, government and other institutions and his obsession with privacy led him to procure these drugs in illegal ways (after all, he probably figured pharmacutical companies and doctors weren't much better than drug dealers).Kurt saw what he was doing, offered an alternative for pain (milder pain pills prescribed by a doc), figured P was taking the safer stuff, but didn't know that P was mixing his illegal pills and legal pills (hell, maybe P was confused by the labels--385? 835? Watson?) --thus, the reason that probably Kurt and P both thought P's moline overdose was percocet. Maybe no one believed Prince when he stated that he only took 1 or 2 pills in Moline. They figured he took more but no one realized that he did indeed take 2 pills (they were just stronger than anyone realized.) The test results might have been from the Moline incident and they were just too late. Kurt might have felt that P wasnt in immediate danger because he didn't know how strong the pills were in his posession and figured that the narcon's effects would still be in effect.

I feel like defending Kurt a bit right now, because placing his names on pills seems something unnecesary if there were plenty of untraceable pills laying about.

[Edited 6/4/17 19:37pm]

logical

purplerabbithole said:

Question---Prior to Dr. S, do we know if Prince was getting drugs from a doctor through Kurt? Is it possible he only started seeing a real doctor (longterm) a few months before his death. Here's why I ask. Maybe, Kurt (who also had to endure pain due to athletic and dancing and whose doctor Prince eventually saw) found out about P's taking illegal drugs and then offered to get P legitimate pain pills from a doctor in his name to protect P's privacy (in an attempt to counter P's method of obtaining via internet or whatever). I ask this because it makes no sense for Kurt to put his ass on the line with pills in his name if he was already procuring illegal drugs for Prince in the first place. The illegal drugs have no easily detectable paperwork trail (but they do come with a stiffer penalty). Why draw attention to illegal doing by then creating a paper trail. I am starting to think that P's paranoia of doctors, government and other institutions and his obsession with privacy led him to procure these drugs in illegal ways (after all, he probably figured pharmacutical companies and doctors weren't much better than drug dealers).Kurt saw what he was doing, offered an alternative for pain (milder pain pills prescribed by a doc), figured P was taking the safer stuff, but didn't know that P was mixing his illegal pills and legal pills (hell, maybe P was confused by the labels--385? 835? Watson?) --thus, the reason that probably Kurt and P both thought P's moline overdose was percocet. Maybe no one believed Prince when he stated that he only took 1 or 2 pills in Moline. They figured he took more but no one realized that he did indeed take 2 pills (they were just stronger than anyone realized.) The test results might have been from the Moline incident and they were just too late. Kurt might have felt that P wasnt in immediate danger because he didn't know how strong the pills were in his posession and figured that the narcon's effects would still be in effect.

I feel like defending Kurt a bit right now, because placing his names on pills seems something unnecesary if there were plenty of untraceable pills laying about.

[Edited 6/4/17 19:37pm]

There were several publications that reported Prince did not sleep for almost 150 (6+ days) before his death.

Therefore my vision is the following:

1) Prince was dependant on certain medicine to cover his pain (either legs or some serious illness)

2) through either channel he had been provided with some stuff that enhance other pills and drive his energy

3) as a result of being exhausted because of sleep deprivation he died (RIP our little genius)

There is a link to a really great article explaining physiological process of sleep
https://hbr.org/2009/01/w...rtant.html

To cut long story short: brain is being cleaned during a sleep. Lack of sleep more than few days combined with sleep deprivation might leas to the death.

So we have really clear explanation of his death.

Not the drugs were a reason (and not he overdose as such) but rather respective processes in the body vaused by certain substance delivery to the blood.

The only question is wether additional pills were provided 1) on purpose to enhance effect of substance combination or 2) that was a pure coincindence.

I really loved him, And do appreciate his music.

Now let the police does there job.

And let Prince soul forget about last incarnation.

Sometimes I help myself thinking that piece of his soul had been returned to this world with birth of my two sons on 3th of October 2016 ))

[Edited 6/5/17 13:32pm]

Nope not trying to get an ulcer.

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Nope not trying to get an ulcer.

?

laurarichardson said:

fortuneandserendipity said:

I guarantee you will still be waiting in 5, 10, 15 years time

He was ill from opiate addiction and withdrawals. That's what most normal people on this site accept, but something tells me you're not one of them.

Yes, because you have access to his medical records and know something the rest of us do not know including Prince having the magic albilties to avoid organ damage from taking pain pills for decades. Think about how logical that type of thinking is?

Occam's Razor again, I'm afraid - Most people accept the most straightforward explanation 1 yr 2 yrs after the event.

Something tells me in 5, 10, 15 years time you'll still be bleating on about his 'underlying illness' that had nothing to do with opiate addiction