The New York Times reports that on the day that Prince died, he was scheduled to meet with a representative of a medical addiction professional to get help. Perhaps, the death of Prince could have been prevented had he reached out for help earlier.
What was the role of shame and secrecy that held Prince back from reaching out earlier for help? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that earlier opportunities for seeking help were missed.
Prince’s tragic death highlights the importance of treating opioid addiction as a chronic condition and accessing appropriate treatment.
When faced with addiction, it is easy to feel out of control or hopeless, especially if you are continuing to experience chronic pain or another underlying medical condition. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Research in the field of addiction shows that combining medical treatment, psychological support, and nutritional and lifestyle changes, all contribute to longer lasting recovery from addiction.
Did shame and secrecy contribute to the death of Prince?
Prince Rogers Nelson had an unflinching reputation among those close to him for leading an assiduously clean lifestyle. He ate vegan and preferred to avoid the presence of meat entirely. He was known to eschew alcohol and marijuana, and no one who went on tour with him could indulge either.
But Prince appears to have shielded from even some of his closest friends that he had a problem with pain pills…
Read more from the New York Times here.