The Elvis Cover Up

[TotallyInsane]

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[midnight]

I remember seeing that back in 1979 and it was such a shock to everyone! It is so sad to watch. His life had so many twists and turns! The "good doctor" sure knew how to keep the money flowing!! If he gave up giving Elvis those pills he sure had a lot to lose!!! I bet the farthest thing from his mind was getting Elvis off those drugs! "I will give you lots of pills if you pay my bills"
I just do not know how these people sleep at night!!! And to think that on Elvis` 30th anniversary Dr Nick was one of the honored guests for fans to visit at Dolan drive!!! Oh, how quick they forget!!

[john carpenter]

An average of 25 narcotic pills a day? "Dr. Nick" said to Geraldo that he don't think he prescribed that many pills? Come on .."Dr. Nick was handing out pills like M&Ms. No wonder Elvis died so young!(n)

[goodelvisgirl]

yup Dr.Nick was handing out the pills by the bucket full any time elvis asked we has given them Dr.nick needed elvis and his cash and to heck with the consequences

[TotallyInsane]

I remember seeing that back in 1979 and it was such a shock to everyone! It is so sad to watch. His life had so many twists and turns! The "good doctor" sure knew how to keep the money flowing!! If he gave up giving Elvis those pills he sure had a lot to lose!!! I bet the farthest thing from his mind was getting Elvis off those drugs! "I will give you lots of pills if you pay my bills"
I just do not know how these people sleep at night!!! And to think that on Elvis` 30th anniversary Dr Nick was one of the honored guests for fans to visit at Dolan drive!!! Oh, how quick they forget!!

I had "words" with several people on another board about this very thing!! They scheduled him to at Vernon's house right before the vigil started - while around the corner we were preparing to hold the candlelight vigil!!! Too bad he didn't come see the candlelight.

[elvisbootlegs]

the complete cd/dvd combo available at http://www.ioffer.com/i/71152806, as well as over a hundred others.....

[utmom2008]

I remember that as well as if it were yesterday. We were ALL stunned!!!!!!!!!!:blink::blink::blink::blink:

[Stryx]

Bit too easy to blame Nick for everything.

How about the drug addict and biggest culprit?

Also Nick was not E's only doctor....plenty were willing to hand over the meds.




I remember seeing that back in 1979 and it was such a shock to everyone! It is so sad to watch. His life had so many twists and turns! The "good doctor" sure knew how to keep the money flowing!! If he gave up giving Elvis those pills he sure had a lot to lose!!! I bet the farthest thing from his mind was getting Elvis off those drugs! "I will give you lots of pills if you pay my bills"
I just do not know how these people sleep at night!!! And to think that on Elvis` 30th anniversary Dr Nick was one of the honored guests for fans to visit at Dolan drive!!! Oh, how quick they forget!!

[midnight]

I am not blaming the Dr. Nick for Elvis` drug abuse! I am sure Elvis would of and probably did get his drugs else where. I am saying the doctors certainly did not do any thing to help the situation! They took advantage of Elvis and his money! They did not have to continue giving him all these drugs. The amount of drugs Dr. Nick prescribed to him was outrageous! He knew the damage they were doing. He could of used his professional judgment and just said NO! Of course Elvis would of found his drugs somewhere else... It just comes down to the point that Elvis just meant a free ride to the bank!:mad:

[TotallyInsane]

I am not blaming the Dr. Nick for Elvis` drug abuse! I am sure Elvis would of and probably did get his drugs else where. I am saying the doctors certainly did not do any thing to help the situation! They took advantage of Elvis and his money! They did not have to continue giving him all these drugs. The amount of drugs Dr. Nick prescribed to him was outrageous! He knew the damage they were doing. He could of used his professional judgment and just said NO! Of course Elvis would of found his drugs somewhere else... It just comes down to the point that Elvis just meant a free ride to the bank!:mad:

Excuse Dr. Nic - not until hell freezes over!! Sorry, but this guy kept dispensing drugs even after Elvis was dead! And, if giving them to Elvis wasn't bad enough - he even kept giving them to his own daughter!! Not, the kind of doctor anyone needs - ELVIS OR NOT!

[TotallyInsane]

Midnight
Sorry, I didn't mean to quote your post. I wasn't referring to your post.

[Stryx]

I am not blaming the Dr. Nick for Elvis` drug abuse! I am sure Elvis would of and probably did get his drugs else where. I am saying the doctors certainly did not do any thing to help the situation! They took advantage of Elvis and his money! They did not have to continue giving him all these drugs. The amount of drugs Dr. Nick prescribed to him was outrageous! He knew the damage they were doing. He could of used his professional judgment and just said NO! Of course Elvis would of found his drugs somewhere else... It just comes down to the point that Elvis just meant a free ride to the bank!:mad:


Its a very complicated situation.

Dr Nick could have walked away - you are correct. But he chose to stay and he tried to find out exactly what Elvis was getting elsewhere. They tried placebos on Elvis, they did about as much as they could - Elvis didn't want to give up.

[Stryx]

Excuse Dr. Nic - not until hell freezes over!! Sorry, but this guy kept dispensing drugs even after Elvis was dead! And, if giving them to Elvis wasn't bad enough - he even kept giving them to his own daughter!! Not, the kind of doctor anyone needs - ELVIS OR NOT!

I can understand where you are coming from.

However would you rather Elvis had Max on tour or Elias rather than Nick?

[midnight]

I will forgive you.......this time!:lmfao: I agree with you totally Gail on Dr. Nick! The man is a criminal!! Like I said earlier, I can not see why anyone would have any interest in meeting this man. I cringe every time I hear his name.

[Stryx]

I will forgive you.......this time!:lmfao: I agree with you totally Gail on Dr. Nick! The man is a criminal!! Like I said earlier, I can not see why anyone would have any interest in meeting this man. I cringe every time I hear his name.

Woah!

He hasn't been jailed and he was not as bad as some of the others that Elvis used.

Its very difficult to treat an addict.

Out of curiosity how would you have dealt with Elvis?

[midnight]

I really do not know how I would of dealt with Elvis ! He definitely needed some sort of professional help or rehab! I do not think anyone could of helped him unless he was willing to help himself ! I just know if I was his doctor I would not of kept giving him those drugs ! The whole situation surrounding Elvis` life is very sad and complex!

[Stryx]

Yes and considering that he had so many sources for drugs as well. The choice was either leave or stay and hope to be able to limit / explain to him. He was told of his problem at Baptist Memorial when he was in their one time.

I believe had it been Elias or Max instead of Nick, Elvis would have died sooner.

[Tony Trout]

Bit too easy to blame Nick for everything.

How about the drug addict and biggest culprit?


Exactly. Elvis was his own worst enemy. If "Needle Nick" didn't give it to him, he would go to either Ghanem or "Flash" Newman or Max Shapiro.



I can understand where you are coming from.

However would you rather Elvis had Max on tour or Elias rather than Nick?


Well, neither one of them were exactly the best choice.....




Yes and considering that he had so many sources for drugs as well. The choice was either leave or stay and hope to be able to limit / explain to him. He was told of his problem at Baptist Memorial when he was in their one time.


He was told of his problem...and he chose to let it go in one ear and out the other because he thought he was in conctrol of everything and could stop anytime he wanted....

He was a man in total and complete denial....and it cost him his life.

He was right on the $$$ when he supposedly told Linda Thompson: "I'm self-destructive"....

[Diane]

No doubt that Elvis was in denial and felt in control...that's addiction, but all three of those doctors were highly unethical and should have walked away rather than stay in it for the money.

I would agree with some of you that Dr. Nick chose to stay to try and help Elvis with placebos etc. had he not done the same to other celebrities and his own daughter....I really feel that says it all not matter what he claims.

Diane

[utmom2008]

I can understand where you are coming from.

However would you rather Elvis had Max on tour or Elias rather than Nick?

What would be the difference?:blink::blink: Either or both would have killed him.;) And did!

[TotallyInsane]

Woah!

He hasn't been jailed and he was not as bad as some of the others that Elvis used.

Its very difficult to treat an addict.

Out of curiosity how would you have dealt with Elvis?

No, you're right he wasn't jailed. Should he have been? Yes! If he had stopped dispensing drugs after Elvis died - I could get past it. However, he DID NOT...he continued on until he got CAUGHT AGAIN!! Then, he lost his license. To me, it boils down to he didn't learn his lesson the first time, when it cost Elvis his life and so he continued on down the same path! But, he should have been jailed the SECOND TIME HE WAS BUSTED!! End of story.
His own daughter???? Give me a break!

[Stryx]

No doubt that Elvis was in denial and felt in control...that's addiction, but all three of those doctors were highly unethical and should have walked away rather than stay in it for the money.

I would agree with some of you that Dr. Nick chose to stay to try and help Elvis with placebos etc. had he not done the same to other celebrities and his own daughter....I really feel that says it all not matter what he claims.

Diane


I know what your saying and im not trying to defend Nick, but out of all the doctors to me he seems to be the one who at least recognised the problem, had Elvis treated as an addict when he was in Baptist Memorial in 73' or maybe it was 74' but I think it was 73'.

The guys have also mentioned them going to Graceland with Nick while Elvis was in hospital and flushing his drugs down the toilet that they found in his bedroom. And also putting sugar in some of the capsules Elvis was taking.

But at the end of the day Elvis manipulated his many doctors. Was secretive about what he was taking and im just sorry that it ended the way it did.

[Stryx]

Exactly. Elvis was his own worst enemy. If "Needle Nick" didn't give it to him, he would go to either Ghanem or "Flash" Newman or Max Shapiro.





Well, neither one of them were exactly the best choice.....





He was told of his problem...and he chose to let it go in one ear and out the other because he thought he was in conctrol of everything and could stop anytime he wanted....

He was a man in total and complete denial....and it cost him his life.

He was right on the $$$ when he supposedly told Linda Thompson: "I'm self-destructive"....



Couldn't agree more!

[Stryx]

What would be the difference?:blink::blink: Either or both would have killed him.;) And did!

I think and its only my opinion but from what has been known about Max....Elvis probably would have died a lot sooner than Aug 77. If you think Nick was free with meds, Dr. Feelgood was a whole other matter!

And it was Elvis who was at fault. The blame is with him for the way he abused meds.

[Stryx]

No, you're right he wasn't jailed. Should he have been? Yes! If he had stopped dispensing drugs after Elvis died - I could get past it. However, he DID NOT...he continued on until he got CAUGHT AGAIN!! Then, he lost his license. To me, it boils down to he didn't learn his lesson the first time, when it cost Elvis his life and so he continued on down the same path! But, he should have been jailed the SECOND TIME HE WAS BUSTED!! End of story.
His own daughter???? Give me a break!

Im speaking only about Elvis - and out of all the doctors Elvis used and manipulated, Dr. Nick I think was the one who attempted at least to treat Elvis as an addict.

[TotallyInsane]

Im speaking only about Elvis - and out of all the doctors Elvis used and manipulated, Dr. Nick I think was the one who attempted at least to treat Elvis as an addict.

Or so he says now.

[Stryx]

Or so he says now.

In fairness many who were with Elvis at the time say the same thing - that Nick tried. Are you aware of what it was like with Elias, Max or Flash?

[TotallyInsane]

Yes, I am aware. I am also aware that the same many that say Nick tried were right in there with him doing the exact same thing. However, now days it appears that it was only Elvis doing the pills!
And, I still say that had he stopped dispensing pills after Elvis' death I could believe it - but he didn't. To me, that says the death of Elvis really didn't bother him cause he found others who needed it like Elvis and who also had some deep pockets to keep the bottles full.

[Stryx]

Yes, I am aware. I am also aware that the same many that say Nick tried were right in there with him doing the exact same thing. However, now days it appears that it was only Elvis doing the pills!
And, I still say that had he stopped dispensing pills after Elvis' death I could believe it - but he didn't. To me, that says the death of Elvis really didn't bother him cause he found others who needed it like Elvis and who also had some deep pockets to keep the bottles full.


Marty is very open about the pills as are most of the guys. They all mention the pills as does Priscilla. The pills were in use before Nick - and would have been used after Nick. They were also used when Elvis was using other doctors instead of Nick.

Elvis was responsible for his own death - not Dr. Nick. Elvis was at the dentist that night and had recieved medication from the dentist as well....I mean there was so many sources for it - it is irrational to blame just one doctor. Ultimately it was Elvis's fault. Elvis was getting it from everywhere and no one was able to stop him.

As he told Red..."I need it man"

[buttonhead]

I just do not know how these people sleep at night!!! And to think that on Elvis` 30th anniversary Dr Nick was one of the honored guests for fans to visit at Dolan drive!!! Oh, how quick they forget!!



Yes , I got chance to met him at Dolan Drive...and it was true how quick people forget :(:( OR they choose to bury the hatchet after 30 years ...I dont know... just guessing..

he was also there at Alfred's ..where Patty Perry, Joe Esposito, DJ Fontana, Jerry Schilling, George Klein, and Dean ( his boy )had meet and greet,... he ( Dr. Nick ) didn't say much...may be he is afraid people will come up with THAT drugs question..

[Diane]

I agree, you can't blame just one doctor and Dr. Nick may have been the best of the lot but still was in the wrong for the part he played in Elvis' addiction and I for one am glad that there is one that had his license revoked. There were and still are many more who should be thrown out of the medical field.

Diane

[Stryx]

Yes and plenty who need to admit they are addicts and recieve treatment.

It would be one thing had Elvis never been told - but he was at baptist and the consequences were made known to him. Especially after his fatty liver biopsy.

Elvis was playing with fire.

[Diane]

Unfortunately that is the way addictions work...denial come hell or high water. So few climb out of it long enough to realize that a drastic change is needed if they want to continue to live...I'm so sorry Elvis wasn't one of them. He was a classic case not to make it though with his personality....proud, sometimes in the wrong way and stubborn.

Diane

[TotallyInsane]

Yes and plenty who need to admit they are addicts and recieve treatment.

It would be one thing had Elvis never been told - but he was at baptist and the consequences were made known to him. Especially after his fatty liver biopsy.

Elvis was playing with fire.

So, why do you think Dr. Nick didn't get his daughter treatment?

[Stryx]

So, why do you think Dr. Nick didn't get his daughter treatment?

You would have to ask Dr. Nick and his daughter that. I can't speculate on something like that.

Elvis on the other hand was well aware that he had a problem and the consequences of that problem.

[TotallyInsane]

He's not expected to get his daughter treatment and it's ok that he gave out prescriptions by the thousands! OK - gotcha!

[Stryx]

He's not expected to get his daughter treatment and it's ok that he gave out prescriptions by the thousands! OK - gotcha!

Look - I really don't know much about Nick and his daughters relationship - not enough to speculate!

He made sure Elvis was aware that he was a drug addict - more than any of Elvis's other doctors did.

At the end of the day it was only Elvis or Vernon at that stage that could have done something to sort it.

What happened between Nick and his daughter is no concern to me.

[KPM]

Unfortunately that is the way addictions work...denial come hell or high water. So few climb out of it long enough to realize that a drastic change is needed if they want to continue to live...I'm so sorry Elvis wasn't one of them. He was a classic case not to make it though with his personality....proud, sometimes in the wrong way and stubborn.

Diane
Elvis was surely no exception. He repeatidly denied his problems, like most men.
In the famous phone call to Red West he tells him hes in the best shape of his life, that the colon problem is now okay-yet Nick around this time was talking to specialists about removing the congenital ganglionic fold section of his colon to help with digestion and the pain. That does not sound like what he told Red.

[TotallyInsane]

Look - I really don't know much about Nick and his daughters relationship - not enough to speculate!

He made sure Elvis was aware that he was a drug addict - more than any of Elvis's other doctors did.

At the end of the day it was only Elvis or Vernon at that stage that could have done something to sort it.

What happened between Nick and his daughter is no concern to me.

Well, for me, it tells a story about a man with a license that was misused in the worst way!!

[utmom2008]

What happened between Nick and his daughter is no concern to me.

Maybe not, but it speaks volumes as to the character of the man.:blush::blink:

[Unchained Melody]

What does it say about elvis' character that he manipulated many doctors, Nick included, so he good get whatever wonder drugs he wanted at that particular moment.

[utmom2008]

What does it say about elvis' character that he manipulated many doctors, Nick included, so he good get whatever wonder drugs he wanted at that particular moment.

It says the same thing that ANY addict says. It's called "Dr. shopping". I take it you have not had anyone in your family with a prescription drug addiction? People will tell you that my Mother-n-law had fabulous character...she also "Dr. shopped", as all addicts do. However....when one Dr. found out that she was shopping, that was the end for her. Her next step was rehab!:blush:

[Unchained Melody]

It says the same thing that ANY addict says. It's called "Dr. shopping". I take it you have not had anyone in your family with a prescription drug addiction? People will tell you that my Mother-n-law had fabulous character...she also "Dr. shopped", as all addicts do. However....when one Dr. found out that she was shopping, that was the end for her. Her next step was rehab!:blush:

It's sad Elvis was not strong enough to see his problem and realize he had one, and check himself into an institution.

[utmom2008]

It's sad Elvis was not strong enough to see his problem and realize he had one, and check himself into an institution.

Few addicts ever really do...in our case my MIL's 3 grown children made the decision for her. Also...keep in mind that 54% of all addicts will relapse..usually within the 1st year. Over 60% have multiple relapses..as my MIL did. Addiction is not an easy thing to toss aside...EVER.

[Stryx]

Apparently Elvis had stuff hidden in the seams of the curtains in his bedroom.

Nick also had Knoll produce a special batch of 1000 Dilaudid without any active ingredients.

[KPM]

What does it say about elvis' character that he manipulated many doctors, Nick included, so he good get whatever wonder drugs he wanted at that particular moment.
It says to me that he thought he had it under control, and that he felt he knew best what his mind and body needed in order to get from day to day.
That is the MO of most addicts of any kind. Add in legit reasons to take medications and you have someone who is always looking for the "new miracle" to cure lifes problems mental and physical.
Drug companies have proclaimed the wonder drugs as miracles since the late 40s and with each new find there is a mad rush to the doctor by people who want that miracle (Elvis is not alone in this area) the benefits are always in bold type and the side affects, and drawbacks are in the smallest type available. If Elvis had lived to see the commercials on TV spouting the new drugs and "natural remedies" he would have had a field day. By the time the drawbacks are common knowledge-the damage is done.
Doctors many times do not understand the latest drugs-a pharmacutical salesman visits the docs every week to give out the newest samples of the newest wonder drugs and the docs hand them out according to symptoms and known diseases of that person. 10 years down the road the problems are known.
Look at Del Shannon who killed himself and the drug Prozac was thought to play a part in his suicide. Prozac was for depression-yet it has a warning about suicide in its prescriptions information?
Sure Elvis wanted the wonder drugs, they are legal, made to look easy with little problem-and everyone wants that.

[Diane]

I don't believe anyone can judge or condemn Elvis for his addiction and the way he handled it as it was typical of all addicts. I say Walk A Mile In His Shoes and then you can spout off. Unless someone took the reins and forcefully put him into rehab, nothing was going to change....AND, it may have taken several years of going back to rehab before he finally got the message....again, typical of an addict. You cannot turn addiction on and off like a faucet. It's not only the physical side that has to be addressed, it's also the mental side that has to change.

Diane

[buttonhead]

.. oh boy, what a thread... its interesting to read all the posters,...

after all said and done... i know noone can bring Elvis back to life, sometimes its kind of upset me that he died because of the abused of drugs he did,..


at the age of 42 ? there would be ALOT that he could had done,...

When i went to las vegas...went to see Tom Jones, Engelbert, or Wayne Newton... so many times in the middle of the songs i thought of Elvis,... thinking : ' man Elvis could do this song better than Tom or Engelbert..' :( :( :(

Anywhoo....interesting thread, (y) nice job everyone ...;)

[franny]

I don't believe anyone can judge or condemn Elvis for his addiction and the way he handled it as it was typical of all addicts. I say Walk A Mile In His Shoes and then you can spout off. Unless someone took the reins and forcefully put him into rehab, nothing was going to change....AND, it may have taken several years of going back to rehab before he finally got the message....again, typical of an addict. You cannot turn addiction on and off like a faucet. It's not only the physical side that has to be addressed, it's also the mental side that has to change.

Diane

Yes, true Diane. Elvis would have had to go to rehab for years before anything would change.

I always read that Elvis thought he knew about the pills he took, that he read-up on them and really thought that what he was doing was okay..

franny

[Donut]

After years being addicted to anything you know it isn't doing good to you but admiting it is forcing you to do something about it. No one will convince me Elvis didn't know deep inside he had a huge problem, at least in the latter years of his life.

[Diane]

I'm sure he knew deep inside he had a serious problem Donut but a "hardened" addict which he was cannot think straight for himself and denies the problem which he did. He desperately needed some outside help and he didn't get it.

Diane

[Donut]

I'm sure he knew deep inside he had a serious problem Donut but a "hardened" addict which he was cannot think straight for himself and denies the problem which he did. He desperately needed some outside help and he didn't get it.

Diane

Yes Diane, I know he needed outside help but I think Elvis was too used to being the boss and getting his way. No one would tell Elvis NO and that advantage that he enjoyed so much in my opinion killed him in the end...

[Diane]

I believe he was very stubborn Donut and felt in control, also felt he had to maintain control over everyone and he was right. Someone had to with all the people around him all the time and the personalities and conflicts arising all around him.

But the kind of addict he was and with his personality, he needed to be forcefully put into rehab and kept there until he was able to admit that he needed help. No one did that and I doubt if the Colonel would have wanted Elvis away for any time at all.....too much of a loss of $$$$. Sad to say, but maybe even Vernon was afraid of the loss of dollars. I don't doubt he loved his son but I believe he looked out after his own skin first.

Diane

Diane

[Donut]

Hmmm... I don't know what to say about that Diane. I think Elvis enjoyed controlling everything and that's one of the reasons he wanted all those people around him. Don't get me wrong Diane because I'm very sad for what happened to Elvis and I wish he would be here today like many of his friends are but I think Elvis was more complex than that.

[KPM]

To put someone into a facility takes a huge amount of courage-almost a
"to he11 with any consequences" attitude, you have to truely believe this persons life is on the line.
Perhaps they all thought eventually he would resurrect himself and his health. He was a man who had met challenges and they had seen him do it. But the other end is was anyone (including Vernon) prepared to say, "to he11 with the consequences"? His life is at stake.
Its just a matter of personal belief, if you believe no one can alter the lifes path of someone else then its all Elvis's fault. If you believe that others through lifes interactions- both good and bad, honest and dishonest, fair and unfair, truthful and deceitful, self serving and self effacing, giving and taking, have do have the ability to alter someones path then you do not feel Elvis is alone at fault for his situation.
Obviously from all the past discussions everyone pretty much falls into one of these camps. ;)

[Diane]

It's no secret to what camp I belong in. I truly believe in the no man is an island theory and that there are enablers who have to share responsibility. I do not believe anyone is ever solely in total control of their lives. It's not possible not to be influenced by people around you unless you are made of stone.

Diane

[Donut]

No one did that and I doubt if the Colonel would have wanted Elvis away for any time at all.....too much of a loss of $$$$.

Diane

No doubt about it Diane. Parker knew and witnessed the problem was affecting his shows but he kept Elvis touring anyway. A person in that state shouldn't be working would it be that person's wish or not.

[Donut]

To put someone into a facility takes a huge amount of courage-almost a
"to he11 with any consequences" attitude, you have to truely believe this persons life is on the line.
Perhaps they all thought eventually he would resurrect himself and his health. He was a man who had met challenges and they had seen him do it. But the other end is was anyone (including Vernon) prepared to say, "to he11 with the consequences"? His life is at stake.
Its just a matter of personal belief, if you believe no one can alter the lifes path of someone else then its all Elvis's fault. If you believe that others through lifes interactions- both good and bad, honest and dishonest, fair and unfair, truthful and deceitful, self serving and self effacing, giving and taking, have do have the ability to alter someones path then you do not feel Elvis is alone at fault for his situation.
Obviously from all the past discussions everyone pretty much falls into one of these camps. ;)

A complex situation however you look at it. I'd say it's more a matter of responsability than guilt. But you are right, we have discussed this many times before ;).

[Tony Trout]

It's sad Elvis was not strong enough to see his problem and realize he had one, and check himself into an institution.


Unless someone took the reins and forcefully put him into rehab, nothing was going to change....AND, it may have taken several years of going back to rehab before he finally got the message....again, typical of an addict.


With regards to Elvis and rehab...there's one big problem...there wasn't any 'rehab' facilities to put him into like there is today. I think that's one thing that's getting lost in the conversation here....there was no Betty Ford Clinic or major drug rehab centers...and I don't think anybody wouldn've been able to 'force' him into going to rehab. An addict will only take the option of rehab if they truly want to help themselves...if they're doing it because they feel pressured from people around them, the treatments won't stick.

[MissyM]

The only way for anyone to help him would have been mandatory committment. (Probably to a mental facility by Vernon) I know, I know, if only he would have done that, it sounds so easy right? Can you imagine the public humiliation???????????????????? OMGosh, maybe people think that would have been better????? How could it be. Elvis had a huge amount of pride.
None of us were there, none of us had to deal with him so closely. It's so easy to say what they all should have/could have done.
I tire of the talk of enabling. Maybe there simply was no other choice with out distroying him. Does anyone ever think of that? Does anyone ever think that trying to save him could have actually been the final nail in the coffin earlier... than he did it to himself????
People say that some had selfish motives, again dead Elvis the proverbial gravy train ended, why would they not try if they needed the gravy on their plates.
Try watching someone you love self-distruct, try feeling so helpless that you are in turmoil. It is no easy place to be in.
Could you have commmitted Elvis? Could you have done that too him???

[utmom2008]

With regards to Elvis and rehab...there's one big problem...there wasn't any 'rehab' facilities to put him into like there is today. I think that's one thing that's getting lost in the conversation here....there was no Betty Ford Clinic or major drug rehab centers...and I don't think anybody wouldn've been able to 'force' him into going to rehab. An addict will only take the option of rehab if they truly want to help themselves...if they're doing it because they feel pressured from people around them, the treatments won't stick.

You are right on all accounts Mister T. In 1977 rehab consisted of checking into BMH for a few days while your body goes through detox and rids itself of all drugs. In '77 no one realized that detox was the easy part...no one knew that the mental part of addiction was the key to recovery. The first time my MIL went to rehab was 1981..and it was still a "new" idea. The family finally located one in Louisiana.:blink::blink::blush:

[midnight]

Rosanne, is your MIL still alive? How did she do with the addiction?

[utmom2008]

Rosanne, is your MIL still alive? How did she do with the addiction?

No, she passed away in August of 2001. She had a heart attack following an operation from breast cancer. She was in rehab twice between the years of 1981 and 1995. In 1981 she went to rehab for an addiction to prescription meds. She had only been home a few months when she turned to vodka. She had a fender bender sometime in the late 80's with one of her grandkids(not mine!) and went back to rehab for the alcohol addiction. THEN......as a last resort, she began taking HUGE amounts of Benadryl. One evening in '95 my hubs found her in the garage with the car keys in her hand, passed out. She went from the hospital to an assisted-living home after that where she was completely clean until her death. One of her MAIN problems with rehab is that she would never stay long enough to deal with the mental side of addiction. Much like Elvis' situation, she assumed once her body was free of whatever chemical she was using that she was fine. NOT the case....AT ALL!

[MissyM]

So sad Rosie.

[Stryx]

Well said.

His denial of his problem in Denver to his police buddies showed how much he didn't seem to want to stop.

He also made that comment to Linda about being self destructive.






With regards to Elvis and rehab...there's one big problem...there wasn't any 'rehab' facilities to put him into like there is today. I think that's one thing that's getting lost in the conversation here....there was no Betty Ford Clinic or major drug rehab centers...and I don't think anybody wouldn've been able to 'force' him into going to rehab. An addict will only take the option of rehab if they truly want to help themselves...if they're doing it because they feel pressured from people around them, the treatments won't stick.

[KPM]

With regards to Elvis and rehab...there's one big problem...there wasn't any 'rehab' facilities to put him into like there is today. I think that's one thing that's getting lost in the conversation here....there was no Betty Ford Clinic or major drug rehab centers...and I don't think anybody wouldn've been able to 'force' him into going to rehab. An addict will only take the option of rehab if they truly want to help themselves...if they're doing it because they feel pressured from people around them, the treatments won't stick.
It worked with me-I was a kicking, cussing and screaming hated everyone but had no choice. It took a couple years to straighten out with not just the initial 6 weeks but constant therapy and counseling weekly. The idea that I wanted to get straight and thats why I did-is funny to me. I wanted to deny, deny , deny. So I have to say-forced help can work. Not just in my case but many cases. :blush:

[Brian]

It worked with me-I was a kicking, cussing and screaming hated everyone but had no choice. It took a couple years to straighten out with not just the initial 6 weeks but constant therapy and counseling weekly. The idea that I wanted to get straight and thats why I did-is funny to me. I wanted to deny, deny , deny. So I have to say-forced help can work. Not just in my case but many cases. :blush:

Hi Ken

what were you addicted to?

[presley31]

It worked with me-I was a kicking, cussing and screaming hated everyone but had no choice. It took a couple years to straighten out with not just the initial 6 weeks but constant therapy and counseling weekly. The idea that I wanted to get straight and thats why I did-is funny to me. I wanted to deny, deny , deny. So I have to say-forced help can work. Not just in my case but many cases. :blush:

agree KPM and thats pretty much how l was when l was having drugs problems.

[midnight]

No, she passed away in August of 2001. She had a heart attack following an operation from breast cancer. She was in rehab twice between the years of 1981 and 1995. In 1981 she went to rehab for an addiction to prescription meds. She had only been home a few months when she turned to vodka. She had a fender bender sometime in the late 80's with one of her grandkids(not mine!) and went back to rehab for the alcohol addiction. THEN......as a last resort, she began taking HUGE amounts of Benadryl. One evening in '95 my hubs found her in the garage with the car keys in her hand, passed out. She went from the hospital to an assisted-living home after that where she was completely clean until her death. One of her MAIN problems with rehab is that she would never stay long enough to deal with the mental side of addiction. Much like Elvis' situation, she assumed once her body was free of whatever chemical she was using that she was fine. NOT the case....AT ALL!

It must be so difficult to see someone you love do that to themselves! It is still so misunderstood in society.The thing is with addiction is that it starts out as a mental illness and ends up being very physical because of all the damage that it does to your organs. Maybe that is what happened to your MIL heart. Very sad indeed.

[minni1]

Its a very complicated situation.

Dr Nick could have walked away - you are correct. But he chose to stay and he tried to find out exactly what Elvis was getting elsewhere. They tried placebos on Elvis, they did about as much as they could - Elvis didn't want to give up.
Really? Were you there? Did you see this happen, first hand?