Houston's death puts focus on prescription drug addiction

Whitney Houston's funeral, held today at the Newark church she sang at as a child, and the governor's order to fly the American flag at half-staff in her honor has resulted in debates as to who the flag should be lowered for, and a continued discussion about prescription drug abuse and addiction. The Grammy Award winner, who died Feb. 11, at the age of 48, was found with prescription pill bottles in her Beverly Hills hotel room. For years, Houston had struggled with cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drug addition. "It's tragic, but if there is any good that comes out of this is a lot of discussion and a lot of awareness," said Becky Carlson, assistant director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling in Newton. "Parents can use this tragedy as a way to start opening the eyes of young people," Carlson said. "Parents need to realize that what they say does matter and they should use Whitney Houston as a stepping stone to open the door to discuss (drug abuse and addiction.) Talk to them early, talk to them often." In 2008, Carlson said the Center for Prevention and Counseling's drug and alcohol survey that is administered every two years revealed a 42-percent increase in 12th-grade students' use of pain killers. In response, the center established a prescription drug task force made up of many different sectors of the community, stemming from law enforcement to health care. "Monitor what you have in your house, secure it, and dispose of it," Carlson said. One lesson that can be taken from the celebrity's death, Carlson said, is that addiction can happen to anyone. "It's equal opportunity," she said. "It doesn't matter who you are, your background, how famous you are or aren't, it can affect anyone and we have to understand that when someone has a problem, they need the resources to get them help." Houston's alleged overdose also harkens back Karen Ann Quinlan, the 21-year-old Roxbury woman who became unconscious after coming home from a party, where she'd mixed Valium and alcohol. Several days later, her coma was deemed irreversible and she was transferred from Newton Memorial Hospital to St. Clare's Hospital in 1975. There, her family requested that she be taken off her ventilator, setting the stage for a tedious legal battle. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in the family's favor, and Quinlan was removed from the respirator. She continued to receive artificial nutrition and hydration and lived for another nine years until her eventual death in 1985 from pneumonia. Quinlan's case pioneered the right-to-die movement and set precedent for a patient's right to refuse medical care and control her or her own treatment. "As far as mixing medication and alcohol, it's a common practice when trying to get high," Carlson said. "That's when you see people overdose, not always dying, but landing in hospitals." "Any time you're taking medications that aren't prescribed for you, it's like Russian Roulette," Carlson said. Houston, who was born in Newark and was raised in nearby East Orange,  is being laid to rest at a private funeral today. The invitation-only ceremony was held at New Hope Baptist Church. Christie declared that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast today. Some criticized the governor's decision, believing that the honor should be reserved for the military, first responders, and elected officials; others said he's wrong for honoring a celebrity and drug addict. Carlson, however, praised Christie for his declaration, which she believes will bring awareness about substance abuse, and his statement: "There but for the grace of God go I." "Understanding addiction is critical," she said. "Addiction can happen to anyone." Freeholder Susan Zellman said, "It's very considerate of the governor to recognize the untimely passing of such a great New Jersey talent by flying the flag half-staff." Sussex County Freeholder Director Phillip Crabb said, "It's up to the governor. If he sees it fit to order it at his discretion, we stand by his decision, and we get it done, and move on."