Prince’s death was preventable: Your Say

Letter to the editor:

In Paste BN’s article “Prince died of 'fentanyl toxicity,' an overdose of a painkiller,” Maria Puente does an excellent job of explaining the conundrum that underlies the tragedies of fame, drugs and death.Unfortunately, the treatment platform in America continues to be one of complete abstinence.

In other countries, harm reduction models have proved to be an alternative for people who are fearful of the shame and guilt associated with labels and rigidity. The same shame and guilt make many people in America reluctant to seek help. Addiction should be treated like any other illness. Hopefully, the American Medical Association will consider alternatives to the current treatment platform in the nation that is obviously not working.

Stephen A. Bonick; Monterey, Calif.

Facebook comments are edited for clarity, length and grammar:

Becoming addicted to pain medication when injured is not the same as a person who has not had an injury yet becomes addicted.

I, as an injured person who has lived 26 years in extreme pain due to an on the job injury, feel Prince’s pain and can understand. No shame. No pain.

— Jim Eagle

I’m detecting shades of Michael Jackson here.

These guys grow mentally dependent on drugs that can kill them if misused. And they prescribe themselves a death sentence.

— James King

Blame the high heels and continually jumping off stages.

I went to one of his shows in the ‘80s, and the physical abuse he put his body through was bound to lead him to painkillers.

— Darin Avery