Macklemore’s Latest Song, “Kevin,” Echoes the Battle Against Drug Addiction
Macklemore’s recent release, “Kevin,” is more than just a hit song; it’s a powerful testament to the artist’s struggle with drug addiction and a poignant commentary on the prescription drug abuse epidemic in America. Unveiled at the American Music Awards alongside R&B artist Leon Bridges, the song doesn’t just entertain but sheds light on the role of doctors and pharmaceutical companies in fuelling the crisis.
Macklemore’s Personal Journey: A Battle with Prescription Drug Abuse
In a candid interview for mtvU’s “Half of Us” campaign, Macklemore, also known as Ben Haggerty, revealed his personal struggle with prescription drug abuse and addiction. From early encounters with alcohol abuse to the grip of Oxycontin, one of the most potent drugs he’s encountered, Macklemore’s journey reflects the broader societal issues tied to prescription drug abuse.
Peaks and Valleys: Success, Relapse, and Redemption
While Macklemore’s career soared with the Grammy-winning album “The Heist,” success brought its own set of challenges. Amidst fame and pressure, Macklemore experienced a relapse into pill use and marijuana. It was only the news of impending fatherhood that propelled him back into the pursuit of recovery.
In Macklemore’s words, “the minute that I start actively seeking recovery — not just sobriety, but recovery — music is there.” This sentiment is vividly portrayed in his latest song, “Kevin.”
“Kevin”: An Unfiltered Glimpse into America’s Prescription Drug Crisis
“Kevin” doesn’t shy away from naming prescription drugs at the heart of the crisis, including Adderall, Xanax, and Ambien. These drugs, mentioned in the song, represent a fraction of the commonly abused prescription medications in America.
The Trio of Prescription Drug Abuse: Opioids, Depressants, and Stimulants
Prescription Opioids
Opioids, prescribed for pain, have witnessed a quadruple surge in prescriptions since 1999. The song’s lyrics underscore the correlation between overprescribing and the rising overdose death toll, with 44 people succumbing daily to prescription opioid overdose in the U.S.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
Benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax, along with non-benzodiazepine sleep aids such as Ambien, contribute to a fourfold increase in deaths from 2001-2013. The impact of these drugs on prescription drug abuse is second only to opioids.
Prescription Stimulants
Drugs like Adderall, meant for conditions like ADHD, have seen a surge in prescriptions. However, misuse, especially among students seeking enhanced focus, poses severe risks, including addiction, psychosis, and cardiovascular problems.
Charting a Course for Change: Battling the Epidemic
While “Kevin” brings prescription drug abuse into the spotlight, combating the epidemic requires multifaceted strategies. Overprescribing, identified by the CDC as a root issue, is being addressed through updated guidelines for doctors and consumer education on alternative pain management.
Prescription drug monitoring programmes, now in operation in many states, aid doctors in assessing a patient’s prescription history, allowing early intervention for those at risk. However, for those already ensnared by addiction, solutions aren’t as straightforward.
The Path to Recovery: A Beacon of Hope
As Oxycontin made reforms to curb abuse, some turned to heroin, emphasizing the need for effective addiction treatment. Macklemore, alongside countless others, advocates for recovery, asserting that prescription drug abuse need not be a life sentence. “Kevin” serves as a stark reminder, urging society to address the crisis collectively and pave the way for lasting change.
