Drug Dependency

Dr Robert Waldman, a drug addiction specialist, has given testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray.

He stated that despite the fact that Michael Jackson was getting large regular shots of the painkiller Demerol (for his botox treatment), in the months before his death, he could not state unequivocally that Jackson was addicted to painkillers.

Dr Murray's defence team contend that Jackson was addicted to various drugs, and that he engaged in "doctor shopping". They argue that Dr Murray was unaware that Jackson was getting shots of the addictive painkiller Demerol from Dr Arnold Klein. Ironically Demerol would have negated Dr Murray's treatment for Jackson's sleep disorder.

Dr Waldman did, however, contend that Jackson was "dependent" (ie had a physical need, but not destructive need, for a drug) on Demerol.

The trial continues.