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Jackson 'Self-Harmed' to Get Drugs

Singer was spending $50K a month on prescriptions

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2009 8:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Toward the end of his life Michael Jackson was so desperate for prescription drugs, sources tell investigators he harmed himself in an effort to get more, the Mirror reports. Jackson was reportedly spending nearly $50,000 a month on drugs including Vicodin, Soma, Xanax, Zoloft, Paxil, and Prilosec, and he was beset with side effects from shaking fits to hallucinations.

“Michael was prone to self-harming,” says a source. “He’d bang his head against the wall, hit his fists and arms against furniture.” In addition to a quest for more painkillers, “Michael self-harmed mainly as an attention-seeking mechanism or to gain sympathy,” says another source. “He enjoyed being cared for. It was a huge cry for help.”

In this June 23, 2009 file handout photo provided by AEG, Michael Jackson rehearses at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In this June 23, 2009 file handout photo provided by AEG, Michael Jackson rehearses at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/ Kevin Mazur, AEG/Getty Images, File)
This July 30, 1984 file photo shows Michael Jackson performing at Giant Stadium in New Jersey.
This July 30, 1984 file photo shows Michael Jackson performing at Giant Stadium in New Jersey.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer,File)
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, US singer Michael Jackson is shown at a press conference in London, announcing plans to appear at the London O2 Arena in July.
In this March 5, 2009 file photo, US singer Michael Jackson is shown at a press conference in London, announcing plans to appear at the London O2 Arena in July.   (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
AdaptAndOvercome
Aug 19, 2009 4:27 AM CDT
So, we all know now just what a sick individual he was, both mentally and physically. Bury the guy already.
gabo
Aug 19, 2009 1:23 AM CDT
This article would make Michael spin over in his grave, but, oh, he hasn't got one yet.
pwnage
Aug 19, 2009 1:23 AM CDT
50K per month on 'script drugs? How is that possible? Even if you have no insurance?

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